siren
word
Definition
A siren is a loud warning sound made by emergency vehicles, alarms, or ships. It can also mean the device that produces that sound.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly used for emergency-vehicle sounds: 'an ambulance siren' or 'police siren'. It can also describe a building or air-raid warning. Do not confuse this everyday word with the mythological 'Siren' from Greek stories, which is usually capitalized or clearly literary.
Example Sentences
I heard a siren outside the hospital.
basic
We were halfway through dinner when a siren went past and the whole street got quiet.
natural
That siren has been going off all morning — I hope everything's okay.
natural
The siren on the police car got louder as it came closer.
natural
The fire truck turned on its siren.
basic
When the siren sounded, everyone stopped working.
basic