Budilnik

A Budilnik (Будилник) is the Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, and Slovenian word for alarm clock. It is a noun and refers to a timepiece, typically electronic or mechanical, designed to emit a sound or other signal at a preset time, used to wake someone or serve as a reminder. The word is derived from the verb "budit'" (будить) which means "to wake" or "to rouse." The function of a budilnik is primarily to provide a punctual audio cue intended to end a period of sleep or inactivity. It can also be used to signal the beginning or end of other scheduled activities. The mechanism employed by a budilnik can vary, ranging from traditional clockwork mechanisms with bells to modern electronic circuits with programmed alarms and customizable sounds. The term is widely understood and used across various Slavic languages, maintaining a relatively consistent meaning across linguistic boundaries.