Definition

Noun: A safety device that detects the presence of smoke, typically as an indicator of fire, and sounds a loud audible alarm to warn occupants of a building.

Usage

A "smoke alarm" is a standalone unit or part of a larger fire detection system installed in homes, offices, and public buildings for early warning. It is a critical component of fire safety.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The building code requires a smoke alarm on every floor of the house.
  • The smoke alarm started beeping because the battery was low.
  • Everyone evacuated the building when the smoke alarm sounded.

Advanced Usage

• "to test a smoke alarm": To manually activate the alarm's test function to ensure it is working properly.
  • You should test your smoke alarm every month.
• "to install/fit a smoke alarm": To put a smoke alarm in place and make it operational.
  • The fire department offers a program to help install smoke alarms for elderly residents.

Variants and Related Words

• Smoke detector (n): Often used interchangeably with "smoke alarm," though technically a "smoke detector" is the sensing component, while a "smoke alarm" includes both the detector and the audible alert. In common usage, they refer to the same device.
• Fire alarm (n): A broader term for a system or device that alerts people to the presence of a fire. A fire alarm system may be triggered by smoke detectors, heat detectors, or manual pull stations.
• Carbon monoxide alarm/detector (n): A similar safety device that detects the presence of carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and poisonous.

Synonyms

• Fire alarm (in the specific context of smoke detection)
• Smoke detector

Related Phrases

• "The smoke alarm went off": This phrase means the smoke alarm activated and sounded its alarm.
  • I burned the toast and the smoke alarm went off.

Noun

1. an alarm that is tripped off by fire or smoke