Clock: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

clock

 

[ klɒk ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

tell time

A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. Clocks have been around for centuries and come in various forms such as analog clocks, digital clocks, and sundials.

Synonyms

timepiece, timer, watch

Examples of usage

  • I glanced at the clock on the wall to check the time.
  • Grandma's antique clock chimed twelve times at midnight.
Context #2 | Verb

measuring time

To clock means to measure or record the time taken to do something. It is often used in sports to track performance or in workplaces to monitor productivity.

Synonyms

record, time, track

Examples of usage

  • She clocked her fastest time in the 100m sprint.
  • The employee clocked in at 8:00 AM sharp.

Translations

Translations of the word "clock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relógio

🇮🇳 घड़ी

🇩🇪 Uhr

🇮🇩 jam

🇺🇦 годинник

🇵🇱 zegar

🇯🇵 時計 (とけい)

🇫🇷 horloge

🇪🇸 reloj

🇹🇷 saat

🇰🇷 시계

🇸🇦 ساعة

🇨🇿 hodiny

🇸🇰 hodiny

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 ura

🇮🇸 klukka

🇰🇿 сағат

🇬🇪 საათი

🇦🇿 saat

🇲🇽 reloj

Etymology

The word 'clock' originated from the Middle English 'clokke', which came from the Old North French 'cloque' and the Medieval Latin 'clocca', both meaning 'bell'. The association with bells comes from early clocks striking the hours. Over time, the meaning evolved to include timekeeping devices without bells.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,105, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.