longcase clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist/Formal
Quick answer
What does “longcase clock” mean?
A tall, freestanding floor clock with a pendulum housed in a long, narrow case.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, freestanding floor clock with a pendulum housed in a long, narrow case.
A traditional timepiece, often ornamental, known for its accuracy and historically driven by weights and a pendulum. Commonly used as a synonym for 'grandfather clock'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'longcase clock' is more prevalent in British English, particularly among experts and in formal contexts. In American English, 'grandfather clock' is overwhelmingly dominant in general use, though 'longcase clock' is understood in specialist circles.
Connotations
UK: Slightly more technical and descriptive. US: Primarily antiquarian or specialist.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher relative frequency in UK English. 'Grandfather clock' is the high-frequency term in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “longcase clock” in a Sentence
VERB + longcase clock: own, restore, wind, commission, sell, house, positionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “longcase clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He longcased the mechanism? (Non-standard; not used as a verb.)
American English
- (No verb form exists.)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form exists.)
American English
- (No adverb form exists.)
adjective
British English
- The longcase-clock mechanism is remarkably precise. (Attributive use of noun.)
American English
- A fine longcase-clock dial. (Attributive use of noun.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in auction catalogues, antique dealer listings, and insurance appraisals.
Academic
Used in horology (the study of timekeeping), history of technology, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Rare; 'grandfather clock' is the default term.
Technical
Standard term in horology to distinguish from bracket, lantern, and other case styles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “longcase clock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “longcase clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longcase clock”
- Incorrect spelling: 'long case clock' (as two words) – the standard is 'longcase' or 'long-case'.
- Using 'longcase clock' in casual conversation where 'grandfather clock' is expected, which may sound overly technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no mechanical difference. 'Longcase clock' is the formal, descriptive term used in horology and antiques. 'Grandfather clock' is the popular, everyday name with a folkloric origin.
It is commonly written as one word ('longcase') or with a hyphen ('long-case'). The two-word form is considered less standard.
Yes, but it is a specific type. All longcase clocks use a pendulum, but not all pendulum clocks are longcase clocks (e.g., some wall clocks are also pendulum-driven).
It is more precise and professional. In contexts like museum collections, academic writing, or high-end antique sales, specificity and technical accuracy are valued.
A tall, freestanding floor clock with a pendulum housed in a long, narrow case.
Longcase clock is usually specialist/formal in register.
Longcase clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋkeɪs ˈklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋkeɪs ˈklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with 'longcase clock'; idioms like 'like a grandfather clock' (steady, rhythmic) relate to its more common synonym.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LONG CASE lying on the floor, but it stands up to become a tall clock. LONG CASE = LONGCASE CLOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTONOMOUS AGENT (it 'stands' in the hall, 'keeps' time, 'chimes' the hour).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most likely to be used in a British auction catalogue?