grandfather clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, leaning formal
Quick answer
What does “grandfather clock” mean?
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock in a wooden case, often with a hooded dial.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock in a wooden case, often with a hooded dial.
A traditional, decorative timepiece that stands on the floor, typically over six feet tall, known for its distinctive chime. It often serves as a family heirloom and a symbol of tradition or a bygone era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term 'grandfather clock' primarily. 'Longcase clock' is a more formal, technical term used in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, heritage, and classic style equally in both regions.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “grandfather clock” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] grandfather clock [VERB in past tense] in the hall.A grandfather clock [VERB ending in -s] the hour.We inherited a grandfather clock from my [FAMILY RELATIVE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grandfather clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The antique shop will grandfather-clock the entire collection next week. (extremely rare/non-standard)
American English
- (No standard verb usage.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial usage.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial usage.)
adjective
British English
- They admired the grandfather-clock craftsmanship. (hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- The room had a grandfather-clock feel to it. (hyphenated attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of antique valuation, interior design, or furniture sales.
Academic
Used in historical, horological, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing furniture, antiques, home decor, or family possessions.
Technical
The term 'longcase clock' is preferred in horology (clock-making).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grandfather clock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grandfather clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grandfather clock”
- Incorrect: 'grandfather's clock' (unless referring to a clock belonging to a specific grandfather).
- Incorrect: using it to refer to any large clock, like a town hall clock.
- Spelling: 'grandfatherclock' (should be two words or hyphenated: grandfather-clock).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A grandmother clock is a shorter version of a longcase clock, typically between 5 and 6.5 feet tall, often with a slimmer case.
The name was popularised by the 1876 song 'My Grandfather's Clock' by Henry Clay Work, which tells the story of a longcase clock owned by a grandfather.
No, but most do. The chime is a classic feature, often striking on the hour and sometimes playing melodies on the quarter-hour. Silent models exist.
It must be kept level and wound regularly (usually weekly) by pulling chains or weights. The pendulum must swing freely for accurate timekeeping.
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock in a wooden case, often with a hooded dial.
Grandfather clock is usually neutral, leaning formal in register.
Grandfather clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.fɑː.ðə ˈklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.fɑː.ðɚ ˈklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be as regular as a grandfather clock (very reliable/punctual).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your TALL GRANDFATHER standing next to a TALL CLOCK. He is traditional, and so is the clock.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS A GRANDFATHER CLOCK (an object representing heritage and the past).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise synonym for 'grandfather clock' in a technical context?