“Klaxon” vs. “Horn”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “klaxon” and “horn”

  • While both devices are used to produce sound, the klaxon is designed to be especially loud and attention-grabbing, making it useful for emergency situations.
  • In contrast, the horn is typically used to signal or communicate, such as to indicate a vehicle's presence or to signal other drivers or pedestrians.
  • The sound produced by a klaxon is often more distinctive and recognizable than a standard vehicle horn, making it useful for specialized applications.
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What is the definition of “klaxon” and “horn”?

Klaxon
  • A klaxon is a type of electromechanical horn that is loud and powerful.
  • The loud, distinctive sound is typically used for alarm signals and warning sounds.
  • A klaxon produces a unique sound that can be hard to miss and is often associated with emergency situations.
Horn
  • A horn is a device that produces a sound by vibrating air through a narrow opening, typically made of metal or plastic.
  • Vehicle horns are often used to indicate the presence of the vehicle and to signal other drivers or pedestrians.
  • The pitch and volume of a horn can vary depending on the purpose and design of the horn, ranging from a low, rumbling sound to a loud, piercing tone.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Horn” is the more popular variant on the web.
Klaxon
6,490,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The klaxon sounded, signaling the start of the race.
  2. The driver pressed the klaxon to warn pedestrians to clear the way.
  3. The loud klaxon noise startled the animals and caused them to stampede.
More popular
Horn
281,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The sound of the horn woke up the whole neighborhood.
  2. The truck driver honked his horn in frustration at the slow-moving traffic.
  3. The ship blew its horn to announce its arrival at the port.
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