alarm bell

noun

: a bell that sounds when an alarm is activated
—often used figuratively
… the Mexican swine flu outbreak that is sounding alarm bells [=causing people to become worried or alarmed] across the world …—Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2009
The spike in oil prices has set off alarm bells across the automobile industry.

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alarm bell was in 1548

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Dictionary Entries Near alarm bell

alarmable

alarm bell

alarm bird

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alarm bell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alarm%20bell. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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