clockwork: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2general, slightly formal/figurative
Quick answer
What does “clockwork” mean?
The mechanism of a clock, consisting of many small, precisely interacting gears, powered by winding a spring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mechanism of a clock, consisting of many small, precisely interacting gears, powered by winding a spring.
Used metaphorically to describe anything functioning with extreme regularity, precision, predictability, or smooth, unthinking execution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Both use the same literal and figurative meanings.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes mechanical precision, reliability, and sometimes a lack of spontaneity or human touch.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties. The metaphorical phrase 'like clockwork' is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “clockwork” in a Sentence
[function/go off/occur] like clockworkwith the precision of clockworkthe intricate clockwork of [something abstract]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clockwork” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a delicate clockwork music box.
- He collects vintage clockwork trains.
American English
- She bought a clockwork toy robot.
- The old clockwork timer finally broke.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The quarterly reports are submitted like clockwork.' Used to describe efficient, predictable processes.
Academic
'The study examined the clockwork regularity of celestial motions in pre-Newtonian models.' Used historically or metaphorically for deterministic systems.
Everyday
'My neighbour leaves for work at 7:15 every morning, like clockwork.' Describing habitual, predictable actions.
Technical
'The antique fuse used a complex clockwork timer.' Specific reference to spring-driven mechanical timing devices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clockwork”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clockwork”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clockwork”
- Using 'a clockwork' as a countable noun (incorrect: 'a beautiful clockwork'; correct: 'a beautiful clockwork mechanism' or 'beautiful clockwork').
- Confusing 'clockwork' (noun) with 'clockwork' as a standard adjective (it is primarily a noun used attributively, e.g., 'clockwork toy').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'clockwork' is not a standard verb in modern English. It is a noun, often used attributively (like an adjective) in phrases like 'clockwork toy'.
It is the title of Anthony Burgess's novel, made famous by the film adaptation. It suggests something natural (an orange) made mechanical or artificially controlled (clockwork), representing the mechanistic conditioning of a human being.
Yes, but typically within the phrase 'like clockwork'. For example: 'He's so reliable, he arrives like clockwork at 9 every morning.' It emphasizes predictable, habitual action rather than general trustworthiness.
'Clockwork' refers specifically to the spring-driven gear mechanism or the quality of precision it represents. An 'automaton' is a self-operating machine (which might be powered by clockwork) or a person acting mechanically. 'Clockwork' describes the 'how' (precision), while 'automaton' describes the 'what' (a robotic entity).
The mechanism of a clock, consisting of many small, precisely interacting gears, powered by winding a spring.
Clockwork is usually general, slightly formal/figurative in register.
Clockwork: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɒk.wɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɑːk.wɝːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like clockwork (happening with unfailing regularity)”
- “clockwork orange (title from Anthony Burgess's novel, implying mechanistic control of a living being)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLOCK that WORKS perfectly every time. The word itself combines the device and its action to mean 'perfect, predictable mechanics'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ORGANISATIONS ARE MACHINES (e.g., 'the clockwork of the universe', 'the company runs like clockwork').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'like clockwork'?