alarm clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Common in both everyday and formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “alarm clock” mean?
A clock, often placed beside a bed, that is set to ring or buzz at a specific time to wake a person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clock, often placed beside a bed, that is set to ring or buzz at a specific time to wake a person.
Any device or mechanism designed to alert a person at a predetermined time, including digital or software-based applications on phones or computers. Figuratively, something that causes a sudden realization or urgent action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term itself is identical. Minor differences in related terminology: 'set the alarm' vs. 'set the alarm clock' (both used). 'Clock radio' is equally common in both variants.
Connotations
Neutral in both. No significant difference.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “alarm clock” in a Sentence
I set my alarm clock for 7 AM.The alarm clock went off.He was woken by his alarm clock.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alarm clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to alarm-clock myself for the dawn flight.
- (Note: 'to alarm-clock' as a verb is highly informal/rare).
American English
- I'll just alarm-clock it for 6. (Informal/rare).
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form).
American English
- (No standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- He has a very annoying alarm-clock tone.
- (Note: attributive use is standard).
American English
- She bought a new alarm-clock radio.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in travel contexts: 'Don't forget to set the hotel alarm clock for the early conference.'
Academic
Rare. Could appear in psychology studies on sleep patterns.
Everyday
Very high frequency. Central to daily routines.
Technical
Low. More specific terms like 'auditory alert device' or 'programmable timer' might be used in engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alarm clock”
- Incorrect: 'alarm o'clock'. Correct: 'alarm clock'.
- Incorrect: 'My alarm clock ringed at seven.' Correct: 'My alarm clock rang/went off at seven.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words.
'Alarm' is the sound or signal itself and can refer to many types (fire alarm, car alarm). An 'alarm clock' is the specific device that makes an alarm to wake you up.
In very informal, colloquial speech, it might be used creatively (e.g., 'Alarm-clock me at 7'), but this is non-standard. The standard phrasing is 'set an alarm for me at 7' or 'wake me at 7'.
The related figurative term is 'wake-up call', meaning an event that makes you realize a problem and need for action (e.g., 'The failing grade was a wake-up call to study harder').
A clock, often placed beside a bed, that is set to ring or buzz at a specific time to wake a person.
Alarm clock is usually neutral. common in both everyday and formal contexts. in register.
Alarm clock: in British English it is pronounced /əˈlɑːm klɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈlɑːrm klɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wake-up call (figurative).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: An ALARM makes you ALERT. A CLOCK tells time. An ALARM CLOCK makes you alert at a specific time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE TO BE MANAGED. The alarm clock is a tool for managing this resource, often personified as a 'taskmaster' or 'enforcer' of schedule.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common collocation with 'alarm clock'?