grandmother's clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral, Slightly formal, Nostalgic
Quick answer
What does “grandmother's clock” mean?
A large pendulum clock, smaller than a grandfather clock, designed to stand on a surface like a shelf or mantelpiece.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large pendulum clock, smaller than a grandfather clock, designed to stand on a surface like a shelf or mantelpiece.
Traditionally refers to a longcase clock of intermediate size (between a grandfather and a grandmother clock). Sometimes used metaphorically to evoke tradition, heirlooms, steady timekeeping, or old-fashioned domesticity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties, but the object itself is more commonly referenced as an antique or heirloom. No significant lexical difference.
Connotations
Both associate it with tradition and family history. In the UK, it may have slightly stronger associations with country houses or vicarages. In the US, it's more generically 'antique'.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. 'Grandfather clock' is vastly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “grandmother's clock” in a Sentence
inherited a grandmother's clockthe grandmother's clock in the hallthe ticking of the grandmother's clockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grandmother's clock” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The room had a grandmother's-clock charm about it.
American English
- She preferred a grandmother's-clock style for the entryway.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in antique dealership, auction, or insurance contexts.
Academic
Rare. Potentially in historical, design, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Used when describing furniture, antiques, or family possessions. Not common in casual chat.
Technical
Used in horology (clockmaking) to specify a clock size, typically between 5 and 6 feet tall.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grandmother's clock”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grandmother's clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grandmother's clock”
- Using 'grandmother clock' (without the possessive 's').
- Confusing it with a 'grandfather clock' (which is taller).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Size. A grandfather clock is the tallest (often over 6 feet), a grandmother clock is shorter (typically 5-6 feet), and a granddaughter clock is even smaller. The terms come from the song 'My Grandfather's Clock'.
No, it is a low-frequency term. 'Grandfather clock' is the common generic term for all longcase clocks for most people.
No. 'Grandmother's' is part of the fixed name for this style of clock, like 'baker's rack'. It doesn't imply ownership.
It is frequently seen written that way, but the traditional and more correct form is the possessive 'grandmother's clock'.
A large pendulum clock, smaller than a grandfather clock, designed to stand on a surface like a shelf or mantelpiece.
Grandmother's clock is usually neutral, slightly formal, nostalgic in register.
Grandmother's clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.mʌð.əz ˈklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.mʌð.ɚz ˈklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your GRANDMOTHER standing next to a tall CLOCK. She's shorter than your grandfather, just like her clock is shorter than a grandfather clock.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A HERITAGE (object passed through generations). STEADINESS IS RELIABILITY (the regular ticking).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a grandmother's clock?