Foghorn meaning

A foghorn is a loud device used to warn ships of hazards in foggy conditions.


Foghorn definitions

Word backwards nrohgof
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division fog-horn
Plural The plural of the word "foghorn" is "foghorns".
Total letters 7
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (5) f,g,h,r,n

Foghorn is a powerful auditory signaling device typically used in foggy conditions to warn ships of hazardous obstacles or to alert them of their proximity to land.

Operating on a low-frequency tone, a foghorn produces a deep, resonant sound that can travel long distances over water, effectively cutting through the dense fog to alert vessels of potential dangers.

History of Foghorns

The first foghorn was invented in 1719 by Robert Foulis, a Scottish engineer. Over time, foghorns have evolved from manual hand-operated devices to automated systems that are controlled electronically.

How Foghorns Work

A foghorn typically consists of a diaphragm or reed that vibrates to produce sound. The sound is then amplified and projected through a specialized horn or trumpet-shaped apparatus, allowing it to be heard over long distances even in adverse weather conditions.

Types of Foghorns

There are several types of foghorns, including diaphones, sirens, and horns. Each type produces a slightly different sound, but all serve the same purpose of alerting ships to potential hazards.

Overall, a foghorn plays a crucial role in maritime safety, providing an essential auditory signal that helps ships navigate through foggy conditions and avoid accidents at sea.


Foghorn Examples

  1. The foghorn sounded loudly as the ship navigated through the thick mist.
  2. The lighthouse keeper relied on the foghorn to warn ships of the rocky shoreline.
  3. The haunting sound of the foghorn echoed across the bay.
  4. As the fog rolled in, the foghorn boomed over the harbor, signaling danger.
  5. The sailors felt reassured by the familiar sound of the foghorn in the distance.
  6. A thick blanket of fog enveloped the town as the foghorn blasted its warning.
  7. Residents near the coast often fell asleep to the sound of the foghorn in the night.
  8. The foghorn's mournful wail added an eerie atmosphere to the foggy night.
  9. In the dense fog, the foghorn served as a lifeline for ships trying to navigate safely.
  10. The foghorn's deep tones cut through the fog, alerting sailors to nearby hazards.


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  • Updated 27/04/2024 - 11:00:05