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

“I was shocked; I thought I’d get a warning,” she told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

The suicide of a young man "cancelled" by his peers at university has prompted a coroner to write to the government warning about "self-policing" among some students.

From BBC

Mr Bailey will also say the UK should not focus "just on the effects of Brexit", warning about the "broader fragmentation of the global economy".

From BBC

On the first evening, Helen was in her bathroom getting ready for bed when Mohamed Al Fayed appeared in the mirror behind her without warning.

From BBC

Taylor would later publish “White Identity,” warning that white people will be marginalized by other races if they do not defend themselves.

From Salon

Related Words

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