Clock
/klɒk/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn instrument for measuring and showing time, typically having a dial face with hands.
/klɒk/
A device for measuring time
The grandfather clock chimed midnight.
💡 Simply: A clock tells you what time it is, like a watch but usually bigger and on a wall or table.
👶 For kids: It shows you what time it is!
More Examples
My alarm clock woke me up this morning.
How It's Used
"I checked the clock and realized I was late for my appointment."
"The internal clock of the computer needs to be synchronized."
To record the time of something, typically using a device.
/klɒk/
To register or record time
The police clocked the car speeding down the highway.
💡 Simply: To clock something means to measure how long it takes. Like a runner's time in a race.
👶 For kids: To measure how long something takes.
More Examples
I clocked my workout at 45 minutes.
How It's Used
"The referee clocked the runner's time."
"She clocked in at 9 am and clocked out at 5 pm."
Idioms & expressions
around the clock
Continuously, without interruption.
"They worked around the clock to meet the deadline."
From Middle English *clokke, from Old Norse *klukka, imitative of the sound of a bell.
Historically, clocks were primarily mechanical devices, marking a significant advancement in timekeeping.
Memory tip
Think of the ticking sound: 'Clack, clack, clack'
Word Origin
"bell"