noun
Uncommon
clockwork
KLOK-wurk
Clockwork (noun) means a mechanism driven by a wound spring and gears, used in clocks, toys, and other devices. Example: “The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple clockwork mechanism.”
noun
1
A mechanism driven by a wound spring and gears, used in clocks, toys, and other devices.
"The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple clockwork mechanism."
adj
1
Very regular, precise, and predictable, like the working of a clock.
"In their freight, as in their passenger operations, the N.S. present a picture of clockwork efficiency."
— J. M. Tolson, The Nederlands Railways today: III: Signalling and freight (1962)
"The trains ran with clockwork precision."
How to use clockwork
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gears that power a clock or wind-up toy, or (as an adjective) something extremely regular and predictable.
Common pairings
like clockwork
clockwork precision
clockwork toy
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Word forms
- Plural
- clockworks
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple _____ mechanism.
Etymology
A compound of clock and work, referring to the internal gear mechanism of a clock.
Frequently asked questions
What does “clockwork” mean?
The word “clockwork” means a mechanism driven by a wound spring and gears, used in clocks, toys, and other devices. In plain terms, the gears that power a clock or wind-up toy, or (as an adjective) something extremely regular and predictable.
How do you pronounce “clockwork”?
“Clockwork” is pronounced KLOK-wurk (/ˈklɑkwɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “clockwork” in a sentence?
Here is “clockwork” used in a sentence: “The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple clockwork mechanism.”
What part of speech is “clockwork”?
Depending on how it is used, “clockwork” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “clockwork” a common word?
“Clockwork” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “clockwork” have?
“Clockwork” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanism driven by a wound spring and gears, used in clocks, toys, and other devices.
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