alarm clock

American  

noun

1. a clock with a bell or buzzer that can be set to sound at a particular time, as to awaken someone.

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alarm clock British  

noun

1. a clock with a mechanism that sounds at a set time: used esp for waking a person up

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Etymology

Origin of alarm clock

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

I use a Hatch alarm clock because I love the gentle wake up of the light.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

But “somebody who tells me that they need a special alarm clock, to me that’d be a rich area to explore,” said Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a clinical professor at Stanford University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The metal ring adds minimal weight when attached and allows the phone to stand in portrait or landscape modes—perfect for reading, watching videos, and propping up the phone as a bedside alarm clock.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

Her alarm clock makes getting up early "not feel quite as sad and miserable", Zoe says.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

Birring...the alarm clock, which raises its shrill voice at any hour of the day or night, whether you want it to or not.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• clock radio