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

Documents submitted to court during Zou's trial show he searched online for "hidden camera" and "electric alarm clock camera" on the same day and made purchases on eBay of surveillance equipment.

From BBC

“He let me have the insides of an alarm clock ... that was the beginning of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

In this as in so many other ways, Donald Trump serves as history’s alarm clock.

From Salon

They set their alarm clocks for early morning workouts.

From Los Angeles Times

Jim agreed to the plan, only later to realize most of the prime items — a record player, radio, desk and alarm clock — were on his brother’s side of the room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clock radio