fire alarm

American  

noun

1. a signal that warns that a fire has started.

2. a bell, buzzer, siren, horn, etc., that provides such a signal.

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fire alarm British  

noun

1. a device to give warning of fire, esp a bell, siren, or hooter

2. a shout to warn that a fire has broken out

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Etymology

Origin of fire alarm

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

The buildings were undergoing renovations when the fire hit, and numerous fire alarms also failed to warn.

From Salon

Already, it has been revealed that non-fire resistant netting had been fitted around the building, and the fire alarms were not working properly.

From BBC

Several residents have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out.

From BBC

New cruise ships take a test run to make sure everything runs as planned—from fire alarms to açaí bowls.

From The Wall Street Journal

And throughout the complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, fire-department officials and residents said that fire alarms weren’t properly functioning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• smoke alarm
• sprinkler system