Amber Alert

noun

: a widely publicized bulletin that alerts the public to a recently abducted or missing child

Examples of Amber Alert in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are some script logic issues, too, starting with why authorities would blanket the media with an Amber Alert for Roki when the problem being conveyed is the law’s apathy toward missing Indigenous women. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024

Law enforcement issued an Amber Alert, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting, and the 2-year old was found three days later. —Samuel O’Neal, Idaho Statesman, 18 June 2024

How the investigation unfolded An Amber Alert was issued Thursday for Brunett’s daughters after Brunett was found dead in her southeastern Louisiana home, Louisiana’s Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has said. —Jason Hanna, CNN, 17 June 2024

The kidnapping led to an Amber Alert and a frantic search for Pagan, who was later found at a hotel in Windsor. —Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

from the U.S. Justice Department AMBER Alert Program that issues such bulletins, originally from Amber Hagerman †1996 U.S. victim of an abduction, later read as an acronym for America's Missing Broadcast Emergency Response

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Amber alert

noun

: a widely publicized bulletin that alerts the public to a recently abducted or missing child

Legal Definition

Amber Alert

noun

: a widely publicized bulletin that alerts the public to a recently abducted or missing child

Etymology

from the U.S. Justice Dept. AMBER Alert Program that issues such bulletins, originally from Amber Hagerman †1996 victim of an abduction, later read as America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response