fog signal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Nautical
Quick answer
What does “fog signal” mean?
A device that emits a sound, light, or radio signal to warn ships, aircraft, or vehicles of hazards or their location in conditions of low visibility such as fog.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that emits a sound, light, or radio signal to warn ships, aircraft, or vehicles of hazards or their location in conditions of low visibility such as fog.
Any audible, visual, or electronic warning sign used specifically during poor visibility to prevent collisions and indicate positions, commonly associated with maritime navigation and railroads.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts. The component devices (e.g., 'foghorn', 'bell', 'diaphone') are the same.
Connotations
Connotes maritime safety, lighthouses, and historical navigation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical manuals, historical accounts, and safety procedures.
Grammar
How to Use “fog signal” in a Sentence
The [ship/lighthouse] sounded its fog signal.A fog signal was audible from the [location].N/AVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fog signal” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The lighthouse keeper activated the fog signal as the haar rolled in.
- Regulations require a fog signal to be sounded every two minutes in such conditions.
American English
- The Coast Guard cutter tested its new electronic fog signal.
- An archaic steam-powered fog signal was on display at the maritime museum.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in historical or engineering papers discussing navigation safety.
Everyday
Virtually unused; a layperson might say 'foghorn' instead.
Technical
Standard term in maritime regulations, piloting guides, and railway operating manuals.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fog signal”
- Using 'fog signal' to refer to car fog lights.
- Misspelling as 'fogsignal' (should be two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while traditionally auditory (horns, bells, whistles), it can also refer to visual signals like flashing lights or radio signals used in modern navigation.
In maritime contexts such as boating safety courses, nautical charts, historical accounts of lighthouses, or railway operation manuals.
A 'foghorn' is a specific type of auditory fog signal. 'Fog signal' is the broader category that includes foghorns, bells, diaphones, and modern electronic signals.
No, cars have 'fog lights' or 'fog lamps'. The term 'fog signal' is not used for automotive equipment; it is reserved for maritime, aviation, and rail transport.
A device that emits a sound, light, or radio signal to warn ships, aircraft, or vehicles of hazards or their location in conditions of low visibility such as fog.
Fog signal is usually technical / nautical in register.
Fog signal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒɡ ˌsɪɡ.nəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːɡ ˌsɪɡ.nəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOG obscures sight, so a SIGNAL for your ears (sound) or eyes (light) is needed.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAFETY IS A BEACON (an audible/visual beacon in a blanket of obscurity).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary function of a 'fog signal'?