Stopwatch: meaning, definitions and examples

⏱️

Add to dictionary

stopwatch

[ˈstɒpˌwɒtʃ ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The first mechanical stopwatch was developed in the 19th century to help with timing races and improving sports performances.
Before modern stopwatches, people used sundials and hourglasses to measure time intervals in various activities.
The term 'stopwatch' combines two words that describe its function: 'stop' for pausing and 'watch' for viewing time.

Science

Using a stopwatch allows scientists to measure speed and reaction times accurately, crucial in experiments.
In physics, stopwatches are used to demonstrate principles like acceleration by timing objects in motion.
Precision in timing can significantly affect outcomes in experiments, illustrating the importance of accurate measurements.

Sports

Professional athletes often use stopwatches to time their performances and track improvements during training.
In sports like track and field, stopwatches are essential during races to determine athletes' finishing times and rank them.
Many sports events have specific time limits, making stopwatches a vital tool for officials to enforce rules.

Technology

Modern digital stopwatches often come with additional features like split timing and lap counting to enhance performance tracking.
Smartwatches nowadays have built-in stopwatch functions, integrating timekeeping with fitness tracking and notifications.
Some advanced stopwatches can connect to other devices, providing real-time data analysis for athletes and coaches.

Cultural References

Stopwatches appear in various movies and TV shows, often symbolizing urgency or a race against time.
In the world of gaming, time challenges use stopwatches to create excitement and competition among players.
Many famous scenes in action films involve characters racing against a countdown timer, emphasizing the role of the stopwatch.

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

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.

...
30424 parodied
30425 slake
30426 sterilizer
30427 stopwatch
30428 undead
30429 herculean
30430 enfolded
...