Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

alarums and excursions

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.29 in modern English

Syllables: alarum-s and ex-cur-sions
IPA

32

Scrabble Score

20

Letters

4

Syllables

13

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

All the sounds and activities of preparations for war.

noun

Any frantic activity.

Example Sentences

"The French armies were not far off, and there were alarums and excursions all along the border."
"He had been well aware ever since his coming to Hathelsborough of an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery; every development that occurred seemed to thicken it. . . . It puzzled him, being still a stranger to the habits and customs of these people, to see that life in Hathelsborough went on, amidst all these alarums and excursions."
"The various alarums and excursions in The Rock that early evening did not dent attendance at these meetings very much […]"

Etymology

From a Shakespearean stage direction, indicating that soldiers should march across the stage, blowing bugles and beating drums, etc.

Questions

What does alarums and excursions mean?: All the sounds and activities of preparations for war.
Where does alarums and excursions come from?: From a Shakespearean stage direction, indicating that soldiers should march across the stage, blowing bugles and beating drums, etc.

How to pronounce alarums and excursions

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