siren

[ˈsaɪrən]

siren Definition

  • 1a device that produces a loud, wailing sound as a signal or warning
  • 2a woman who is considered to be alluring or fascinating but also dangerous in some way
  • 3in Greek mythology, a creature that was part woman and part bird, whose singing lured sailors to their death on the rocks

Using siren: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "siren" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The police car's siren could be heard from blocks away.

  • Example

    The factory has a siren that sounds at the end of each shift.

  • Example

    She was a siren, luring men with her beauty and charm.

  • Example

    The siren's song led the sailors to their doom.

  • Example

    The ambulance's siren blared as it rushed through the streets.

siren Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for siren

Phrases with siren

  • an alluring but dangerous appeal or temptation

    Example

    The siren call of drugs led him down a dark path.

  • a mythical creature that is half mermaid and half bird, known for its enchanting singing voice

    Example

    In Greek mythology, the mermaid siren would lure sailors to their deaths with her beautiful singing voice.

  • a loud warning device used to alert people of an impending air attack

    Example

    During World War II, air raid sirens were used to warn people of incoming bombs.

Origins of siren

from Old French 'sirene', from Latin 'sirena', from Greek 'seirēn'

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Summary: siren in Brief

A 'siren' [ˈsaɪrən] is a loud, wailing device used as a signal or warning, such as a police car or ambulance siren. It can also refer to a woman who is alluring but dangerous, or in Greek mythology, a creature that lured sailors to their death with its singing. Phrases include 'siren call,' meaning an alluring but dangerous temptation, and 'air raid siren,' a warning device used during wartime.

How do native speakers use this expression?