storm signal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (meteorology, maritime); Figurative (formal writing, journalism)
Quick answer
What does “storm signal” mean?
A visual signal (such as flags, lights, or shapes) hoisted at a shore station or on a vessel to warn of an approaching storm or of specific storm conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A visual signal (such as flags, lights, or shapes) hoisted at a shore station or on a vessel to warn of an approaching storm or of specific storm conditions.
Any sign, indicator, or early warning that suggests a coming period of trouble, disruption, or intense difficulty. Often used metaphorically in business, politics, or social contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in its literal maritime context. The figurative use is slightly more common in British financial and political journalism.
Connotations
Literally neutral; figuratively carries a negative, foreboding connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. Higher frequency in specific professional domains (shipping, meteorology) and in analytical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “storm signal” in a Sentence
N (for N)N of NV N as a storm signalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “storm signal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The storm-signal flags were clearly visible.
American English
- They followed the storm-signal protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The sudden drop in consumer confidence was a storm signal for the upcoming recession.
Academic
The author interprets the peasant revolts as a storm signal of the broader political revolution to come.
Everyday
Those dark clouds on the horizon are a proper storm signal; we should head back.
Technical
The harbour master ordered the hoisting of the storm signal cone, indicating winds from the southwest.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “storm signal”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They storm signalled the danger' - incorrect). Confusing with 'smoke signal'. Using plural for a single apparatus (e.g., 'The storm signals was hoisted' - incorrect agreement).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally and specifically, it refers to warnings for ships and coastal areas. General public weather warnings are now called 'severe weather warnings' or 'storm warnings'.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning is a warning of danger. Figuratively, it almost always heralds trouble, not opportunity.
A 'storm signal' is the specific visual symbol (flag, light, shape) displayed. A 'storm warning' is the broader message or information, which can be communicated via signals, radio, etc.
Both warn of danger. A 'red flag' is a more immediate, obvious sign of a specific problem. A 'storm signal' suggests a larger, impending period of disruption that is beginning to show its first signs.
A visual signal (such as flags, lights, or shapes) hoisted at a shore station or on a vessel to warn of an approaching storm or of specific storm conditions.
Storm signal is usually technical (meteorology, maritime); figurative (formal writing, journalism) in register.
Storm signal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːm ˌsɪɡ.nəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːrm ˌsɪɡ.nəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “See the storm signals flying”
- “To ignore the storm signals”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sailor seeing a special flag (signal) being raised at the port, warning him a STORM is coming.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMING TROUBLE IS AN APPROACHING STORM (The storm signal is the first visible evidence of the storm's approach).
Practice
Quiz
In its original, literal sense, a 'storm signal' is most closely associated with which field?