analog clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “analog clock” mean?
A clock that indicates the time using a dial with moving hour and minute hands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clock that indicates the time using a dial with moving hour and minute hands.
A traditional timekeeping device with a circular face marked with numbers 1-12 and rotating pointers, as opposed to digital displays.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'analogue clock' is strongly preferred in British English; 'analog clock' is standard in American English. Usage frequency is similar.
Connotations
Both variants imply traditional, non-digital technology. In both regions, it can evoke nostalgia or classic design.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the simpler spelling. In British contexts, the full 'analogue clock' is almost always used in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “analog clock” in a Sentence
[to] read an analog clock[to] set an analog clock[to] check the analog clock[to] install an analog clockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analog clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She prefers to analogue-clock her schedule.
American English
- He analog-clocked his arrival at 3 PM precisely.
adverb
British English
- He checked the time analogue-clockwise.
American English
- She adjusted it analog-clockwise.
adjective
British English
- The analogue-clock face was beautifully detailed.
American English
- The analog-clock mechanism needed winding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in office contexts to describe decor or meeting room equipment.
Academic
Used in education to teach time-telling skills to children.
Everyday
Common in homes, schools, and public spaces for general timekeeping.
Technical
Used in engineering, design, or horology discussions about mechanical timekeeping.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analog clock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “analog clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analog clock”
- Pronouncing 'analog' with a hard 'g' (like 'log') - it should be soft. Writing 'analogue clock' in American English contexts. Confusing 'analog clock' with 'digital watch'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but 'analog clock' is American English, while 'analogue clock' is British English.
They are valued for their traditional design, ease of reading at a glance (visual sweep of hands), and aesthetic appeal in interiors.
Analog clocks display time with moving hands on a dial, showing continuous progression. Digital clocks display time as discrete, changing numbers.
It requires understanding the two hands (hour and minute) and the circular dial, which is typically taught to children around age 5-7. With practice, it becomes intuitive.
A clock that indicates the time using a dial with moving hour and minute hands.
Analog clock is usually neutral in register.
Analog clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɒɡ klɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɑːɡ klɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “watch the clock”
- “against the clock”
- “clock-watching”
- “turn back the clock”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANALOG CLOCK: ANALOGous to a circle, with hands that move Like One continuous sweep.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CIRCULAR PATH (hands travel around a dial).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the standard British English spelling?