Reading Theme:
Alarm Clock: Definition, Examples, and How to Use
Meaning 1：alarm clock (Alarm Clock)
Alarm Clock
/əˈlɑːrm klɒk/
n.
A clock that makes a loud sound to wake you up at a set time.
alarm clock
➕
/əˈlɑːrm klɒk/
n.
A device that sounds an alert at a preset time, used to wake someone or remind them of an event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Alarm from Italian 'all'arme' (to arms) + Clock from Latin 'clocca' (bell).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a loud bell ringing 'Alarm!' to jolt you awake at dawn.
📖 Example
She had to catch an early flight, so she set her alarm clock for 5 AM.
She had to catch an early flight, so she set her alarm clock for 5 AM.
🔗 Collocations
set an alarm clock – to adjust the clock to ring at a specific time
alarm clock goes off – the alarm clock rings or sounds
alarm clock radio – a device that combines an alarm clock with a radio
🔄 Synonyms
wake-up call (n.) – a prearranged telephone call or other signal to wake someone
timer (n.) – a device that measures and signals the end of a time interval
timepiece (n.) – a device that measures time, especially a clock or watch
🚫 Antonyms
snooze button (n.) – a button on an alarm clock that delays the alarm for a few minutes
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The first mechanical alarm clocks appeared in 15th century Europe, using bells to wake monks for prayers. Today, smartphones have largely replaced standalone alarm clocks.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser