Jump To:

• 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.

---

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

---

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 search for 5-year-old Daleza Fregoso began on May 25, when authorities issued an Amber Alert in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 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

An Amber Alert was issued soon after the fire was discovered.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

Because that’s the other thing: Scoob knows what Amber Alert means.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone