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• Amber Alert
  Amber Alert

  noun
• Amber alert
  Amber alert

  noun

  a notification to the general public, such as by commercial radio or electronic traffic-condition signs, regarding an abduction of a child

Amber Alert

American  

[am-ber uh-lert] / ˈæm bər əˌlɛrt /

Or AMBER Alert

noun

1. 1. a public alert system that uses broadcast media, text messages, and electronic billboards to spread information about missing persons, especially children.

   2. a public message or announcement that uses this system.

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Amber alert British  

noun

1. a notification to the general public, such as by commercial radio or electronic traffic-condition signs, regarding an abduction of a child

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Etymology

Origin of Amber Alert

Backronym from America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response; named after Amber Hagerman, a girl kidnapped and murdered in Texas in 1996

Example Sentences

The pair were last seen Sunday around 4 a.m. near Ferndale Street and Alsace Avenue, according to an Amber Alert issued Monday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert on Thursday for two young brothers who are believed to be in imminent danger after allegedly being abducted from their foster care home in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

Earthquakes of greater strength — magnitude 5 and above — will send users a wireless emergency alert, similar to an Amber Alert, if they’re in a location expected to get at least “light” shaking intensity.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2024

Wynter, who was the subject of an Amber Alert, was not in the vehicle.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2024

“On one of our stops, I saw this news report. There was an Amber Alert, and they said G’ma was also being investigated for a string of jewelry thefts.”

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone