stopwatch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “stopwatch” mean?
A handheld timepiece designed to measure elapsed time precisely, typically with a button to start, stop, and reset.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld timepiece designed to measure elapsed time precisely, typically with a button to start, stop, and reset.
Any device or software function used for precise timing, especially in sports, science, or industrial processes; metaphorically, a means of monitoring or controlling the duration of an activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept and term are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of precision, sport, and scientific measurement.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to the universal nature of the device.
Grammar
How to Use “stopwatch” in a Sentence
use a stopwatch to + VERBtime + NOUN + with a stopwatchset the stopwatch to zeromeasure + NOUN + using a stopwatchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stopwatch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The coach will stopwatch each lap.
- He stopwatched the entire procedure.
American English
- She stopwatched the reaction time.
- We need to stopwatch this process.
adverb
British English
- He ran stopwatch fast.
- They worked stopwatch precise.
American English
- She timed it stopwatch accurately.
- He reacted stopwatch quick.
adjective
British English
- He was given a stopwatch role.
- The stopwatch function is key.
American English
- She has stopwatch accuracy.
- It's a stopwatch application.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in contexts of productivity timing or process efficiency studies.
Academic
Common in experimental sciences, physics, and sports science labs for precise measurement.
Everyday
Common in sports, cooking, and fitness activities.
Technical
Standard in sports officiating, engineering, and laboratory work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stopwatch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stopwatch”
- Using 'stop watch' as two words (should be one compound word or hyphenated: stop-watch is an older variant).
- Confusing it with a 'timer' that counts down to zero.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standard as one word: 'stopwatch'. The hyphenated form 'stop-watch' is now rare.
A stopwatch typically counts up from zero to measure elapsed time. A timer is often set to count down to zero from a preset duration.
Yes, though less common. It means to time something with a stopwatch (e.g., 'She stopwatched the sprint').
A chronograph is a specific type of stopwatch, often one integrated into a wristwatch, that can function as both a time-telling device and a precision timer.
A handheld timepiece designed to measure elapsed time precisely, typically with a button to start, stop, and reset.
Stopwatch is usually neutral to technical in register.
Stopwatch: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɒp.wɒtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːp.wɑːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “against the stopwatch”
- “beat the stopwatch”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: the official STOPS the WATCH to record the exact time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE RESOURCE / PRECISION IS CONTROL
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the PRIMARY function of a stopwatch?