clock
klok
Clock (noun) means a device that displays or measures the time of day. Example: “The clock on the wall read half past six.”
noun
1
A device that displays or measures the time of day.
"The clock on the wall read half past six."
"We bought a small alarm clock for the bedroom."
"The old clock in the hall chimes every hour."
2
The odometer of a vehicle, which records distance travelled.
"The clock on this used car reads under 40,000 miles."
"The clock showed far more miles than the seller had claimed."
"Always check the clock and service history before buying a used van."
verb
1
To measure the time or speed of something.
"The radar gun clocked the pitch at 95 miles per hour."
"The coach clocked each runner over the final lap."
"A sensor clocks the speed of every passing car."
2
To notice or become aware of something.
"She clocked the nervous look on his face right away."
"I clocked him sneaking out through the back door."
"Did you clock what she was wearing at the party?"
3
To illegally alter a vehicle's odometer to show a lower mileage.
"The dealer was caught clocking cars before selling them."
"A garage owner was arrested for clocking vans before selling them online."
"It is against the law to clock a car before you sell it."
How to use clock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA time-telling device, a car's mileage counter, or (as a verb) to time, notice, or illegally fake a mileage reading.
Common pairings
clock in
clock someone's speed
turn back the clock
clock the mileage
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Word forms
- Plural
- clocks
- Third person singular
- clocks
- Past tense
- clocked
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Can you complete this real example?
The _____ on the wall read half past six.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch clocke, "bell" or "clock," ultimately from a Celtic word meaning "bell" — early clocks were valued for the bells that struck the hour. A doublet of "cloak."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for clock
See all rhymes for clock →Frequently asked questions
What does “clock” mean?
The word “clock” means a device that displays or measures the time of day. In plain terms, a time-telling device, a car's mileage counter, or (as a verb) to time, notice, or illegally fake a mileage reading.
How do you pronounce “clock”?
“Clock” is pronounced klok (/klɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “clock” in a sentence?
Here is “clock” used in a sentence: “The clock on the wall read half past six.”
What part of speech is “clock”?
Depending on how it is used, “clock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clock” come from?
The word “clock” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch clocke, "bell" or "clock," ultimately from a Celtic word meaning "bell" — early clocks were valued for the bells that struck the hour. A doublet of "cloak.".
Is “clock” a common word?
“Clock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “clock” have?
“Clock” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that displays or measures the time of day.
What is the difference between a clock and a watch?
Both tell the time, but a clock is a larger device kept in a fixed place, on a wall, shelf, or tower, while a watch is small and worn on the body, usually the wrist. Put simply, you carry a watch with you, but a clock stays where it is set up.
What are the main types of clocks?
Clocks come in many forms. Analogue clocks show the time with moving hands on a dial, while digital clocks display it as numbers. Common types include wall clocks, alarm clocks, grandfather clocks, and atomic clocks, the last being extremely precise. They may be powered by weights, springs, batteries, or mains electricity.
What is the difference between analogue and digital clocks?
An analogue clock displays time using hands that sweep around a numbered face, so you read the position of the hour and minute hands. A digital clock shows the time directly as figures, such as 09:45. Analogue faces suit learning how time passes, while digital displays give an exact reading at a glance.
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