Is 'clock radio' one word or two?

It is a compound noun written as two separate words, not hyphenated (though a hyphen may be used when it functions as an adjective, e.g., 'clock-radio display').

Can a clock radio work without being plugged in?

Some models have battery backup to maintain the time and alarm settings during a power cut, but most need to be plugged into mains electricity to power the radio and alarm sound.

What's the difference between a clock radio and a normal alarm clock?

A clock radio includes a built-in radio that can be set as the alarm sound, whereas a standard alarm clock typically only has a buzzer or beep.

Are clock radios still common?

While smartphones have replaced them for many people, they are still commonly sold and used for their simplicity, dedicated function, and reliability as a bedside device.

Is “clock radio” formal?

Clock radio is usually informal, everyday in register.

How do you pronounce “clock radio”?

Clock radio: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɒk ˈreɪ.di.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɑːk ˈreɪ.di.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

clock radio: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌklɒk ˈreɪ.di.əʊ/US/ˌklɑːk ˈreɪ.di.oʊ/

Informal, everyday

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “clock radio” mean?

A combined device featuring a digital or analogue alarm clock and an AM/FM radio, typically used to wake someone up to music or news.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A combined device featuring a digital or analogue alarm clock and an AM/FM radio, typically used to wake someone up to music or news.

A compact household electronic appliance, often incorporating features like a snooze function, dual alarms, or smartphone charging, designed primarily for bedside use.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. The term is identical in both varieties. Minor differences may exist in brand names or common features marketed in each region.

Connotations

A standard household item, often associated with 20th-century domestic technology, though still in common use. May evoke nostalgia or practicality.

Frequency

Equally common and understood in both UK and US English.

Grammar

How to Use “clock radio” in a Sentence

to set [the] clock radio for 7 AMto wake up to [a] clock radioto have [a] clock radio on the nightstand

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

digital clock radioset the clock radioalarm on the clock radiobedside clock radiosnooze button on the clock radio

medium

old clock radiobattery-powered clock radioclock radio displayunplug the clock radioclock radio woke me up

weak

cheap clock radioreliable clock radioclock radio volumeglowing clock radioclock radio in the kitchen

Examples

Examples of “clock radio” in a Sentence

verb

British English

I'll clock-radio it for six. (Informal, rare)

American English

He clock-radios himself awake with the news. (Informal, rare)

adjective

British English

It's a classic clock-radio design from the 1980s.

American English

The hotel room had a standard clock-radio unit on the desk.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might appear in retail, logistics, or electronics manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'shipment of clock radios').

Academic

Very rare. Not a term of art in any major field.

Everyday

Very common. Used in domestic contexts, travel, and shopping.

Technical

Limited use. May appear in product descriptions, user manuals, or electronics repair guides.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “clock radio”

Strong

radio alarmbedside radio

Neutral

radio alarm clockalarm clock radio

Weak

wake-up devicealarm device

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “clock radio”

silent alarmsmartphone alarmsunrise alarm clock

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “clock radio”

Using it as two separate nouns (e.g., 'I have a clock and a radio' instead of 'I have a clock radio'). Forgetting the hyphen when used as a compound adjective (e.g., 'clock-radio display' is correct).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a compound noun written as two separate words, not hyphenated (though a hyphen may be used when it functions as an adjective, e.g., 'clock-radio display').
: Some models have battery backup to maintain the time and alarm settings during a power cut, but most need to be plugged into mains electricity to power the radio and alarm sound.
: A clock radio includes a built-in radio that can be set as the alarm sound, whereas a standard alarm clock typically only has a buzzer or beep.
: While smartphones have replaced them for many people, they are still commonly sold and used for their simplicity, dedicated function, and reliability as a bedside device.
: A combined device featuring a digital or analogue alarm clock and an AM/FM radio, typically used to wake someone up to music or news.
: Clock radio is usually informal, everyday in register.
: Clock radio: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɒk ˈreɪ.di.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɑːk ˈreɪ.di.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“He's as reliable as a cheap clock radio. (Meaning: prone to failure or unpredictability)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: CLOCK tells the time, RADIO plays sound. A CLOCK RADIO does both to wake you up.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME AS A SIGNAL (the alarm/time signals the start of the day via sound).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

I need to buy a new for my bedroom because the alarm on my phone isn't loud enough.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a clock radio?