alerts

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of alert.

   The weather service issued three alerts ahead of the storm.

   Drivers ignored the flashing alerts on the dashboard.

   Note

   The plural belongs to the countable uses of the noun: alarms, and notifications that rank above a mere advisory, such as storm alerts or system alerts. The same spelling also serves as the verb's present-tense form, and position tells them apart. After a number or determiner it names things (three alerts, the alerts), while after a subject it is an action (the app alerts you).

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of alert.

   A flashing light alerts the operator whenever the pressure climbs too high.

   The watchdog alerts subscribers as soon as a breach is detected.

   Note

   A transitive verb, so it normally needs an object naming who is warned: the light alerts the operator, not simply "the light alerts." Keep it distinct from the adjective alert, meaning attentive or on guard. A guard who alerts others is giving a warning, while a guard who is alert is simply watchful. The -s ending appears only after a singular subject such as he, she, it or a singular noun.

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