From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishwarningwarn‧ing1 /ˈwɔːnɪŋ $ ˈwɔːrn-/ ●●● S3 W2 noun 1 [countable, uncountable]WARN something, especially a statement, that tells you that something bad, dangerous, or annoying might happen so that you can be ready or avoid itwarning of a warning of floodswarning about warnings about the dangers of smokingwarning against This experience should serve as a warning against complacency.warning to a warning to pregnant women not to drink alcohol a warning that grey squirrels are threatening the existence of red squirrels2 [countable]WARN a statement telling someone that if they continue to behave in an unsatisfactory way, they will be punished The Surrey team were given a warning last year for repeated offences. I’m giving you a final warning – don’t be late again.written/verbal warningTHESAURUSwarning something that you say or do to tell people about danger, or to tell them not to do somethingAll cigarette packets carry a government health warning.She ignored her parents' warnings.The army issued a warning that anyone who was out on the streets after dark was likely to be shot.caution formal an official warning or a piece of advice telling you to be carefulCaution: do not install electrical equipment near or around water sources.The video begins with a caution that you must do some warm-up exercises first. tip-off informal a warning that someone is about to do something, especially one given to the police about a crimePolice were called to the hotel after a tip-off.alert a warning to be ready for possible danger that may happen soonTwelve flood alerts have been issued to areas along the River Severn.a fire alertThe ambulance services were on red alert (=they were ready to take action immediately).advisory formal an official warning or notice that gives information about a dangerous situationThe air pollution gets so bad on some days that health advisories are posted at park entrances.caveat formal a warning that something may not be completely true, effective etc. Also used when pointing out that it is important to remember somethingThe woman was offered treatment, but with the caveat that it had only a 30% chance of success.One caveat is that you must take the goods back to the shop within 14 days. There is one important caveat to this argument. COLLOCATIONSverbsgive a warningHe slammed on the brakes without giving any warning.issue a warning (=officially warn people)The government issued a warning about eating raw eggs.deliver/sound a warning (=give a public warning)The chairman sounded a warning that jobs could be lost.heed a warning (=take notice of it)Drivers failed to heed warnings about fog.ignore a warningHe had ignored their warning to stay in the car.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + warningadvance/prior warningWorkers were given no advance warning of the closure.fair warningHe was given fair warning that such behaviour would not be tolerated.a stern warningI got a stern warning against giving false information to the police.a stark warningCigarette packets carry the stark warning ‘smoking kills’.a health warning (=a warning that something is bad for your health)All tobacco products must carry a health warning.a flood/gale/tornado warningA flood warning has been issued for the River Wye in Herefordshire.phraseswithout (any) warningPolice fired into the crowd without warning.a word of warning (=used before telling someone to be careful about something)A word of warning: don’t use too much glue.
Examples from the Corpus
warning• Two of the prisoners were publicly beaten, as a warning to the others.• The weather report gave a warning of more snow and icy roads.• If we could list those we'd have advance warning of shortage problems on the assembly lines two months before they occur.• Soldiers began firing into the crowd without any warning.• All cigarette packets carry a government health warning.• The judge said the father had failed to heed warnings about the relationship.• This is your last warning - leave or I'll call the police.• Voices in the audience shouted out warnings to us.• There were other ways to advertise that could keep the warnings at a minimum, and the sales of cigarettes zooming.• You should always read the warnings on the back of medicine bottles.• But gradually Stella begins to realize that the warnings she has heard about Edgar are true.• The Ministry of Agriculture statement said that the warning had been intended as preventative advice.• So many poison-producing amphibians give vivid and unmistakable warnings that they have such defences at their disposal.warning that• Lincoln responded by warning that Southern prisoners would be executed man-for-man if the South carried out its plan.• Government, too, has given warning that individuals are taking on too much debt.• However, she gives warning that this can still be misleading, especially if the interest includes an extremely attractive bonus.• They're warning that traders selling illegal copies face heavy fines and imprisonment.• The building was a popular place for children to play despite signs warning that it was dangerous.• Cost-cutters were warning that foster care and residential treatment were becoming budget-busters.written/verbal warning• First-time offenders will get a written warning.• If you are given a written warning, you may be asked to sign a copy to acknowledge receipt.• Technically, the offence merited a written warning that could lead to a sacking.• A further complaint may lead to a written warning, which will sometimes be described as final.• Mrs Jonker, of Southport, said Miss Owen had been sacked for gross misconduct after written and verbal warnings.• No siren will be used and the alert will be given by verbal warning arranged by the Police.• This procedure includes an oral and/or written warning, suspension or summary dismissal.• The customer must be given the written warning.warningwarning2 adjective [only before noun] 1 a warning action or thing tells you that something bad or dangerous might happen Red warning lights were flashing. The government ignored all the warning signs.a warning look/glance She said nothing but gave him a warning look.2 → warning bell/bellsCOLLOCATIONSwarning + NOUNa warning signDon’t ignore the warning signs of stress.a warning shotTroops fired warning shots over the heads of demonstrators.a warning lightRed warning lights were flashing.a warning look/glanceShe gave me a warning look, but I carried on.a warning gestureHe put his finger to his lips in a warning gesture.Examples from the Corpus
warning• Aunt Lou shot a warning glance at father just as he was about to speak.• From the trees there came a warning screech and the whole flock took to the air.• He grabbed her pistol and fired a warning shot. The intruder ran back out into the hall.• Yet, in retrospect, there were also warning signs for de Gaulle. 