What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
siren
Example
The siren of the ambulance was heard from a distance. [siren: noun]
Example
The police car sounded its siren to clear the way. [siren: verb]
hooter
Example
The truck driver honked his hooter to warn the pedestrians. [hooter: noun]
Example
The owl's hooting could be heard in the forest at night. [hooting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hooter is more commonly used than siren in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Siren is more specialized and is typically used in formal contexts or in emergency situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between siren and hooter?
Siren is more formal than hooter and is typically used in official or emergency situations. Hooter is more informal and colloquial and is commonly used in everyday language.