warning

Pluralwarnings

1. 1
   nouncountable

   Something said, written, or shown that tells people about a possible danger or problem, often in advance.

   The final paragraph of the memo was a stern warning about missed deadlines.

   Storm warnings were posted along the coast hours before the hurricane arrived.

   UsageA warning about a danger, a warning that something will happen; give someone a warning. Set phrase: without warning.

2. 2
   verb

   Present participle of warn.

   Forecasters spent the evening warning residents about the approaching storm.

   She was warning him about the traffic when his phone died.

   UsageUsually takes an object: warning someone about or of something, warning someone not to do something.

   Note

   As a participle, warning does two jobs. With be it builds the progressive (was warning, had been warning); before a noun it turns adjectival, as in the American novelist Winston Churchill's The Celebrity: "the first warning notes of the figure." An older use, a clock sounding just before it strikes the hour, is rare now and perhaps obsolete.

3. 3
   nouncountable

   An official caution from a person in authority, such as an employer, a referee, or a police officer, that a further offense will be punished.

   The referee gave the defender a final warning after his second reckless challenge.

   Employees who break the safety rules receive written warnings, and a third offense can mean dismissal.

   UsageCommon phrases: a final warning, a written warning, let someone off with a warning.

   Similarcaution, reprimand

4. 4
   interjection

   Used on signs and notices to alert people to a danger or hazard.

   Warning: high voltage. Authorized personnel only.

   Warning: this product contains small parts and is not suitable for young children.

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