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

Retailers Currys and John Lewis also said they had seen retro gadgets making a comeback with sales of radios, instant cameras and alarm clocks showing big jumps.

From BBC

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

I woke up the next morning without an alarm clock, excited and a little nervous.

From Literature

Now that I’m back on Broadway, the alarm clock might move up to at least 7.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The alarm clock generation is now being replaced by an anxiety generation," Anderson told a press conference, adding that people should be going to work instead of "staying at home all day".

From BBC

Related Words

• clock radio