Siren

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈsaɪərÉ™n/
• US IPA: /ˈsaɪrÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -aɪərÉ™n, -aɪrÉ™n

Alternative forms

• sirene dated or archaic

Origin

From Middle English, itself from Middle French sereine (itself from Late Latin sirena) and from Latin Sīrēn, ultimately from Ancient Greek Σειρήν.

Full definition of siren

Noun

1. (original sense) (Greek mythology) One of a group of nymphs who lured mariners to their death on the rocks.
2. A device, either mechanical or electronic, that makes a piercingly loud sound as an alarm or signal, or the sound from such a device.
3. A musical instrument, one of the few aerophones in the percussion section of the symphony orchestra.
4. A dangerously seductive woman.
5. A common name for salamanders of Siren and Sirenidae.
6. A common name for mammals of Sirenia.

Derived terms

• siren song
• sirenian
• sirenic

Verb

1. To make a noise with, or as if with, a siren.

Adjective

1. Relating to or like a siren.

Synonyms

• bewitching
• enchanting
• enticing
• sirenic

Anagrams

• reins
• resin
• rinse
• risen
• serin