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

The 35-year-old in Germantown, Md., wanted a more aggressive alarm clock after sleeping through an important meeting.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

"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 • Oct. 29, 2025

"Where you been you need the alarm clock?"

From "The Contender" by Robert Lipsyte

Related Words

• clock radio