wake-up alarm

Meaning

A wake-up alarm is a sound or signal programmed to go off at a specific time to wake someone from sleep. When traveling, it is crucial for catching early flights, trains, or tours. It can refer to a physical alarm clock, a smartphone setting, or a service provided by a hotel front desk.

Examples

• I need to set a wake-up alarm for 5:00 AM to catch my flight.

  I need to set a wake-up alarm for 5:00 AM to catch my flight.

• Did you hear the wake-up alarm go off this morning?

  Did you hear the wake-up alarm go off this morning?

• I always set a backup wake-up alarm on my phone just in case.

  I always set a backup wake-up alarm on my phone just in case.

• My phone's wake-up alarm is loud enough to wake the whole room.

  My phone's wake-up alarm is loud enough to wake the whole room.

• I set my wake-up alarm early so we can see the sunrise at the beach.

  I set my wake-up alarm early so we can see the sunrise at the beach.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I set my wake watch for 6:00 AM.

  ✓ I set my wake-up alarm for 6:00 AM.

  A watch is a device worn on the wrist. The sound or setting used to wake you up is called an 'alarm' or 'wake-up alarm'.

• ✗ My wake-up clock didn't ring.

  ✓ My wake-up alarm didn't ring.

  'Alarm clock' is the physical device, and 'wake-up alarm' is the specific alarm setting. 'Wake-up clock' is not a standard English term.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We have an early tour tomorrow, so don't forget to set your ___.

  💡 The sound programmed to wake you up in the morning.

  Show answer

  wake-up alarm

• The loud ___ woke me up before the sun rose.

  💡 A morning signal to stop sleeping.

  Show answer

  wake-up alarm