alarm-clock

An alarm-clock sits on a wooden nightstand next to a bed.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A clock that can be set to sound an alarm at a specific time: "alarm-clock" refers to a timekeeping device with a mechanism that produces a loud noise or other signal at a preset time, typically used to wake someone from sleep.

Usage Examples

• (I adjusted the clock to wake me at that time.)
• (The clock produced its signal, and she delayed it.)
• (He did not prepare the clock to function overnight.)

Advanced Usage

• "alarm-clock function": the feature of a device that acts as an alarm-clock.
  • Many smartphones have an alarm-clock function built in. (They can be used to wake you up.)
• "alarm-clock radio": a combination device that includes both an alarm-clock and a radio.
  • She bought an alarm-clock radio to wake up to music. (The device plays the radio at the set time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alarm (n): a warning sound or signal; a feeling of fear or anxiety.
  • The fire alarm went off unexpectedly. (The warning sound activated.)
• Clock (n): an instrument for measuring and showing time.
  • The clock on the wall shows the correct time. (The timepiece is accurate.)
• Alarmed (adj): feeling anxious or frightened.
  • She was alarmed by the sudden noise. (She felt worried or scared.)

Synonyms

• Wake-up clock: a clock used specifically to wake someone.
• Timer: a device that measures a set period and signals when it ends (though not always for waking).

Related Idioms

• "Set your alarm-clock for": to prepare the alarm-clock for a specific time.
  • Set your alarm-clock for 7 AM, or you'll be late. (Adjust it to ring at that hour.)
• "Alarm-clock goes off": the alarm-clock sounds its signal.
  • The alarm-clock went off at midnight by mistake. (It produced its noise unexpectedly.)