klaxon

/ˈklæksən/

Other forms: klaxons

A klaxon is a warning horn or signal that's used on a vehicle. While the sound of a klaxon is a little old-fashioned these days, its loud blast will still get your attention.

Most people who attempt to describe the sound of a klaxon come up with something like "AH-OOH-GA," and in fact it's not uncommon to call a klaxon an "ahooga horn." The word klaxon is actually trademarked, describing a specific mechanical horn first made by the Klaxon Company in 1908. The sound of a klaxon was once a common noise on busy streets, at train crossings, and even on boats.

Definitions of klaxon

1. noun

   a kind of loud horn formerly used on motor vehicles
   synonyms: claxon

   type of:

   horn

   an alarm device that makes a loud warning sound