Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. 1 A telephone call to awaken someone at a certain time, especially one requested by the person while staying at a hotel. 2 (context figuratively English) An alert, reminder, or call to action caused by a dramatic event.
WordNet
n. a warning to take action concerning something that was overlooked or neglected; "the bombing was a wake-up call to strengthene domestic security"
a telephone call that you request be made a specific time in order to wake you up at that time (especially in hotels); "she left a wake-up call for 7 a.m."
Wikipedia
Wake-Up Call is the fourteenth studio album of the Christian rock band, Petra. It was released on November 9, 1993. The album was one of the most successful for the band garnering them both a Grammy Award and a Dove Award.
The album marks a dramatic shift in tone for the band. The sound is more raw, there are fewer driving rock songs, and it concludes with three consecutive ballads.
A wake-up call (alarm call in the UK) is a service provided by most lodging establishments to provide a service similar to alarm clocks via a telephone.
The phrase has been used to describe a sign or warning that alerts one to negative or dangerous behavior or circumstances. In east Asia, a wake-up call is commonly known as a "morning call."
Usage examples of "wake-up call".
One morning, she made a tape of Sandra snoring through our wake-up call just to prove we'd tried.
He could have seen Sarah's death as a wake-up call, telling him to love God while he still had the chance.
You were in bed by one-thirty, and had your usual wake-up call at eight the following morning.
The tragedy of September 11 was a wake-up call to the American people.