siren
UK: ˈsaɪərən | US: ˈsaɪrən
n. a device that makes a loud, piercing sound as a signal or warning
n. (Greek mythology) a creature, part woman and part bird, whose singing lured sailors to destruction
n. a dangerously seductive or alluring woman
The word "siren" traces back to Greek mythology, where Seirēnes were creatures who lured sailors with their enchanting songs. The term passed into Latin as Siren and later into Old French as sereine, eventually entering Middle English as "siren." The modern meaning evolved to include warning devices (early 19th century) due to their attention-grabbing sound, metaphorically echoing the mythical sirens' captivating calls.
The air raid siren wailed loudly across the city.
In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus tied himself to the mast to resist the sirens’ song.
She was a siren, drawing admirers with her charm and wit.
The factory installed a new siren to alert workers of emergencies.
Legends warn that sirens dwelled near rocky coastlines, waiting for ships to wreck.