Stopwatch: meaning, definitions and examples

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stopwatch

 

[ ˈstɒpˌwɒtʃ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

timing device

A stopwatch is a timing device used to measure the amount of time that elapses between its activation and deactivation.

Synonyms

chronometer, timepiece, timer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stopwatch

Commonly used in sports and activities that involve precise time measurement, such as races. It typically has a start, stop, and reset function.

  • The coach used a stopwatch to time the runners
  • The scientist used a stopwatch to measure the duration of the experiment
timer

Commonly used in cooking, settings for tasks, or games to count down a specified amount of time. It usually signals the end with an alarm.

  • She set a timer for the cake in the oven
  • The students worked on their test until the timer went off
chronometer

Highly precise timekeeping devices, often used in navigation and scientific research. These are usually certified for their accuracy.

  • The ship's captain relied on the chronometer to navigate the seas
  • The lab technician calibrated the instruments using a chronometer
timepiece

A general term for any device that keeps time, often used to refer to wristwatches and clocks in a more elegant or formal way.

  • He proudly displayed his antique timepiece
  • The jeweler had a collection of exquisite timepieces for sale

Examples of usage

  • She used a stopwatch to time how long it took her to run a mile.
  • The coach used a stopwatch to time the players' sprints.
Context #2 | Noun

sports competitions

In sports competitions, a stopwatch is often used to measure the time taken to complete a race or event.

Synonyms

chronometer, timepiece, timer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stopwatch

Use when you need to measure short intervals of time precisely. Common in sports and scientific experiments.

  • She hit the button on the stopwatch as soon as he started running.
  • The scientist used a stopwatch to record the time taken for the reaction to complete.
timer

Used to set a specific amount of time for an event, often with an automatic alarm when the time ends. Common in cooking and various timed activities.

  • He set a timer for the cookies so they wouldn't burn.
  • The teacher used a timer for the classroom activities.
chronometer

Refers to a high-precision timekeeping device. Often used in navigation and for highly accurate timekeeping needs.

  • The sailor relied on a chronometer to navigate across the ocean.
  • He invested in a chronometer for his collection of specialized timepieces.
timepiece

A general term often used to refer to any kind of watch or clock, typically emphasizing its design or craftsmanship.

  • His grandfather passed down a beautifully crafted timepiece.
  • She admired the intricate details of the antique timepiece.

Examples of usage

  • The referee used a stopwatch to time the swimmer's performance.
  • The coach relied on the stopwatch to track the runners' progress.

Translations

Translations of the word "stopwatch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cronômetro

🇮🇳 घड़ी

🇩🇪 Stoppuhr

🇮🇩 stopwatch

🇺🇦 секундомір

🇵🇱 stoper

🇯🇵 ストップウォッチ

🇫🇷 chronomètre

🇪🇸 cronómetro

🇹🇷 kronometre

🇰🇷 스톱워치

🇸🇦 ساعة توقيت

🇨🇿 stopky

🇸🇰 stopky

🇨🇳 秒表

🇸🇮 štoparica

🇮🇸 skeiðklukka

🇰🇿 секундомер

🇬🇪 სტოპვოჩი

🇦🇿 saniyəölçən

🇲🇽 cronómetro

Etymology

The term 'stopwatch' originated in the late 17th century as a combination of 'stop' and 'watch', referring to a timepiece that could be stopped and started to measure elapsed time. Initially used in sports and scientific experiments, the stopwatch has evolved into a common tool for timing various activities.

See also: stop, stopabble, stopgap, stopover, stoppage, stopped, stopper, stopping, stops, unstoppable, unstoppably.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,427 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.