What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hornblower
Example
The hornblower signaled the start of the race. [hornblower: noun]
Example
The band's hornblower played a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. [hornblower: noun]
Example
The football fans cheered as the hornblower sounded the end of the game. [hornblower: verb]
signalman
Example
The signalman waved the flag to indicate that the train was coming. [signalman: noun]
Example
The radio operator acted as a signalman, relaying messages between the troops. [signalman: noun]
Example
The traffic signalman adjusted the lights to ease congestion during rush hour. [signalman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Signalman is more commonly used than hornblower in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to various contexts. Hornblower is a less common term that is more specific to maritime or musical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hornblower and signalman?
Signalman is generally considered more formal than hornblower, as it is often used in professional or technical contexts. However, both terms can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.