warning

[ wawr-ning ]

noun

1. the act or utterance of one who warns or the existence, appearance, sound, etc., of a thing that warns.
2. something that serves to warn, give notice, or caution:

   We fired a warning at the intruders.

   Synonyms: presage, augury, portent, sign, omen, advice, admonition, caution

3. Meteorology. an announcement from the U.S. National Weather Service alerting the public that a storm or other weather-related hazard is imminent and that immediate steps should be taken to protect lives and property. Compare advisory ( def 5 ), storm warning ( def 2 ), watch ( def 20 ).

adjective

1. serving to warn, advise, caution:

   a warning bell.

warning

/ ˈwɔːnɪŋ /

noun

1. a hint, intimation, threat, etc, of harm or danger
2. advice to beware or desist
3. an archaic word for notice

adjective

1. prenominal intended or serving to warn

   a warning look

2. (of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) having conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; aposematic

Derived Forms

• ˈwarningly, adverb

Other Words From

• warning·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of warning¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English (noun); Old English war(e)nung “precaution”; warn, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

As recent flooding in Spain and elsewhere revealed, every minute of warning given to people ahead of a possible flood can save lives and property.

From Science Daily

She also offered a warning: He should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

From Los Angeles Times

The office also called for the health system to provide the federal agency with its written policies and protocols for any “early maternal warning systems” designed to prevent maternal deaths, among other recommended actions.

From Los Angeles Times

The Met Office has issued six yellow warnings for snow and ice across the UK, with the warning for Wales in place until 10:00 GMT on Wednesday.

From BBC

Minutes after abandoning the interview, we received a lawyer’s letter on behalf of Paul, warning us of the possible consequences if we published our findings.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonition
• advice
• alarm
• alert
• caution
• example
• guidance
• hint
• indication
• information
• lesson
• notification
• prediction
• recommendation
• sign
• signal
• suggestion
• threat
• word