alarm clock

noun

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

alarm clock

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of alarm clock¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

And when I didn’t reply he sent an alarm clock emoji and told me: 'Time’s running out.'

From BBC

Opinions from sleep experts vary on the use of alarm clocks.

From Los Angeles Times

The ding-ding sound of the first tram of the day rattling down streets was the alarm clock many in Kolkata woke up to.

From BBC

Neither my husband nor I was required to act as human alarm clocks, ticking down the minutes before “we really have to leave.”

From Los Angeles Times

Prizes included "space age" alarm clocks, a two-way intercom set, and for first prize winners, a "futuristic radio".

From BBC

Related Words

• clock radio