warning

[ wawr-ning ]
/ ˈwɔr nɪŋ /

noun

the act or utterance of one who warns or the existence, appearance, sound, etc., of a thing that warns.
something that serves to warn, give notice, or caution: We fired a warning at the intruders.
Meteorology. an announcement from the U.S. National Weather Service alerting the public that a storm or other weather-related hazard is imminent and that immediate steps should be taken to protect lives and property. Compare advisory(def 5), storm warning(def 2), watch(def 20).

adjective

serving to warn, advise, caution: a warning bell.

Origin of warning

before 900; Middle English (noun); Old English war(e)nung precaution; see warn, -ing1, -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM warning

warn·ing·ly, adverb

Definition for warning (2 of 2)

warn
[ wawrn ]
/ wɔrn /

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to give a warning; caution: to warn of further disasters.

Origin of warn

before 1000; Middle English warnen, Old English warnian; cognate with German warnen. Cf. ware2

synonym study for warn

Warn, caution, admonish imply attempting to prevent another from running into danger or getting into unpleasant or undesirable circumstances. To warn is to speak plainly and usually in strong terms: to warn him about danger and possible penalties. To caution is to advise about necessary precautions, to put one on one's guard about possibly harmful circumstances or conditions, thus emphasizing avoidance of undesirable consequences: to caution him against driving in such weather. Admonish suggests giving earnest, authoritative advice with only tacit references to danger or penalty: to admonish a person for neglecting his duties.

OTHER WORDS FROM warn

Example sentences from the Web for warning

British Dictionary definitions for warning (1 of 2)

warning
/ (ˈwɔːnɪŋ) /

noun

a hint, intimation, threat, etc, of harm or danger
advice to beware or desist
an archaic word for notice (def. 6)

adjective

(prenominal) intended or serving to warn a warning look
(of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) having conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; aposematic

Derived forms of warning

warningly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for warning (2 of 2)

warn
/ (wɔːn) /

verb

to notify or make (someone) aware of danger, harm, etc
(tr; often takes a negative and an infinitive) to advise or admonish (someone) as to action, conduct, etc I warn you not to do that again
(takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to inform (someone) in advance he warned them that he would arrive late
(tr; usually foll by away, off, etc) to give notice to go away, be off, etc he warned the trespassers off his ground

Derived forms of warn

warner, noun

Word Origin for warn

Old English wearnian; related to Old High German warnēn, Old Norse varna to refuse