smoke detector

noun

: an alarm that activates automatically when it detects smoke

called also smoke alarm

Examples of smoke detector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, smoke from the barbeque made its way inside the home, setting off the smoke detectors. — Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 The hotel is equipped with seven accessible rooms, each with roll-in showers, lowered light switches and thermostats, strobe emergency lights, and smoke detectors. — Sheeka Sanahori, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2024 Officials confirmed to the outlet that the smoke detectors in the home were working when the incident started around 7 p.m on Thursday. — Raven Brunner, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025 Later that night, after reaching safety, an alarm from his smoke detectors notified him of the worsening situation back home. — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smoke detector

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smoke detector was circa 1927

Rhymes for smoke detector

See All Rhymes for smoke detector

Browse Nearby Words

smokechaser
smoke detector
smoke door
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smoke detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoke%20detector. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

smoke detector

noun
: an alarm that activates automatically when it detects smoke

called also smoke alarm

More from Merriam-Webster on smoke detector

Nglish: Translation of smoke detector for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smoke detector

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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