long-case clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist, Historical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “long-case clock” mean?
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock, typically housed in a narrow wooden case.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock, typically housed in a narrow wooden case.
A historical timekeeping device, often ornate and considered furniture, also known as a grandfather clock. The term is somewhat antiquated but precise in horology (clockmaking).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'long-case clock' is the standard, precise term in horology and antiques. In American English, 'grandfather clock' is overwhelmingly dominant in everyday use, though 'long-case clock' is understood in specialist contexts.
Connotations
UK: Technical, precise, antiquarian. US: 'Long-case clock' sounds formal or British; 'grandfather clock' is warm, nostalgic, and common.
Frequency
In the UK, 'long-case clock' is moderately frequent in antique/horology circles but 'grandfather clock' is also widely used colloquially. In the US, 'long-case clock' is rare outside technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “long-case clock” in a Sentence
The long-case clock [stands/ticked] in the hall.They inherited a [description] long-case clock.The auction featured a long-case clock [by/made by] Thomas Tompion.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long-case clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The clockmaker will long-case the movement in oak.
- It has been long-cased in a superb walnut cabinet.
American English
- The movement was long-cased in cherry wood.
- They specialize in long-casing antique movements.
adjective
British English
- The long-case clock market is stable.
- He is a long-case clock restorer.
American English
- A long-case clock auction is scheduled.
- Long-case clock mechanisms are complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in auction house catalogues, antique dealerships, and insurance valuations.
Academic
Used in history of technology, material culture studies, and horological research.
Everyday
Rare; 'grandfather clock' is almost always used instead.
Technical
The standard term in horology for the specific case style and movement type.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long-case clock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long-case clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long-case clock”
- Using 'long-case clock' in casual American conversation (sounds odd).
- Misspelling as 'longcase clock' (hyphenated compound is standard).
- Confusing with a 'grandmother clock' (a slightly smaller version).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Long-case clock' is the precise technical term, while 'grandfather clock' is the popular, colloquial name.
The name describes its physical structure: the pendulum and weights are enclosed in a long (tall), narrow wooden case that stands on the floor.
No. The vast majority of American speakers would say 'grandfather clock'. 'Long-case clock' sounds formal or British to American ears.
A long-case clock is a tall, floor-standing clock. A bracket clock is a smaller, spring-driven clock designed to sit on a bracket or shelf, often with a carrying handle.
A tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock, typically housed in a narrow wooden case.
Long-case clock is usually specialist, historical, formal in register.
Long-case clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈkeɪs ˌklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈkeɪs ˌklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a long-case clock (regular, dependable, but somewhat old-fashioned)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a clock with a LONG CASE (like a long coat) standing in a hallway.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURED JOURNEY (the pendulum's swing); HERITAGE IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'long-case clock' the LEAST likely to be used?