horologe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowArchaic, literary, or technical
Quick answer
What does “horologe” mean?
A timepiece, especially a clock or watch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A timepiece, especially a clock or watch.
Any instrument for measuring or indicating time, including historical or mechanical devices beyond modern wristwatches.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. Equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, connotes antiquity, formality, or technical precision.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, marginally more likely in British historical/literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “horologe” in a Sentence
the [ADJECTIVE] horologea horologe of [NOUN]horologe [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “horologe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The horologe mechanism was intricate.
- He studied horologe engineering.
American English
- The horologe mechanism was intricate.
- He studied horologe engineering.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science, archaeology, or literature studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in historical horology (study of timekeeping).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “horologe”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “horologe”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horologe”
- Misspelling as 'horologue'.
- Using it to refer to a modern digital watch.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it refers to a timepiece, it is an archaic, formal, or technical term, typically reserved for historical, intricate, or specific instruments, not everyday clocks or watches.
You can, but it will sound very unusual, poetic, or pretentious. Native speakers would almost always use 'clock', 'watch', or 'timepiece'.
Both are precise timekeepers. 'Chronometer' specifically implies high precision, often for navigation (e.g., at sea). 'Horologe' is a broader, older term for any time-measuring device, without the specific connotation of modern high precision.
Yes, 'horology' is the study and art of measuring time and making timepieces. A person who practices this is a 'horologist'.
A timepiece, especially a clock or watch.
Horologe is usually archaic, literary, or technical in register.
Horologe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒrəlɒdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːrəloʊdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly, but related to 'beat the clock' (a modern equivalent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HORO (as in 'hour') + LOGUE (as in 'dialogue' or 'catalogue') -> a device that speaks the hours.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY (contained/indicated by an instrument).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'horologe' MOST appropriately used?