clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “clock” mean?
An instrument or device for measuring and showing the time, typically with a numbered dial and moving hands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An instrument or device for measuring and showing the time, typically with a numbered dial and moving hands.
A device for measuring or recording time intervals, including digital versions, timekeeping mechanisms, or a metaphorical reference to the passage of time. Also used to refer to a speedometer or taximeter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In British English, 'watch' is typically used for a timepiece worn on the wrist, while 'clock' is for a device not carried. This distinction also exists in American English but is slightly less rigid in casual speech. The verb form 'clock on/off' is more common in UK for starting/finishing work; US often uses 'punch in/out'.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both. Associated with punctuality, routine, and the passage of time.
Frequency
Comparatively high and identical in both varieties due to its essential nature.
Grammar
How to Use “clock” in a Sentence
V + clock: set the clockV + prep + clock: work around the clockAdj + clock: a ticking clockN + clock: kitchen clockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The athlete clocked an impressive time of 10.2 seconds.
- I need to clock off at 5:30 pm sharp.
- The police clocked him doing 90 mph.
American English
- She clocked a new sales record this month.
- He clocked in late for his shift.
- The radar clocked the pitch at 98 mph.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use of 'clock' - idiom 'round the clock' functions adverbially).
American English
- (No standard adverbial use of 'clock' - idiom 'around the clock' functions adverbially).
adjective
British English
- The room had a lovely clock radio on the nightstand.
- We admired the intricate clock mechanism.
American English
- He set his clock alarm for 6 AM.
- The clock face was easy to read.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in 'punch the clock/clock in/out' for recording work hours. Also 'race against the clock' for deadlines.
Academic
Used in fields like biology ('circadian clock'), computing ('clock speed'), and physics ('atomic clock').
Everyday
Predominantly used to tell time, make appointments, and manage daily schedules.
Technical
A precise time-measuring device, a source of synchronization signals in computing (CPU clock), or a speedometer in a vehicle.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clock”
- Incorrect: "Look at my new clock on my wrist." (Correct: "Look at my new watch.")
- Incorrect: "It is eight hours fifteen minutes o'clock." (Correct: "It is eight fifteen." or "It is a quarter past eight.")
- Incorrect: "My computer has a very fast clock." (Correct: "My computer has a very fast clock speed.")
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'clock' is a timepiece designed to be placed in a location (on a wall, table, or tower). A 'watch' is a timepiece designed to be worn on the body, typically on the wrist.
'O'clock' is only used with precise, full hours (1, 2, 3...12). It is a contraction of 'of the clock'. Do not use it with minutes. Say 'three o'clock' or 'three fifteen', not 'three fifteen o'clock'.
As a verb, it can mean to measure the speed or time of something (e.g., 'The police clocked his speed'), to achieve a particular time or speed ('She clocked 10 seconds'), or to notice or see someone ('I clocked him leaving early').
Yes. 'Clockwise' (and its opposite, 'counter-clockwise'/'anti-clockwise') describes the direction in which the hands of a clock move. It originated from this direct observation.
An instrument or device for measuring and showing the time, typically with a numbered dial and moving hands.
Clock is usually neutral in register.
Clock: in British English it is pronounced /klɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “against the clock”
- “turn the clock back”
- “run like clockwork”
- “beat the clock”
- “work around the clock”
- “clock-watcher”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLOCK on a CLOCK tower that goes CLOCK when it strikes.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE RESOURCE (watching the clock), LIFE IS A DAY (biological clock), PRECISION IS A MACHINE (run like clockwork).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to beat the clock' mean?