Stopwatch: meaning, definitions and examples
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stopwatch
[ ˈstɒpˌwɒtʃ ]
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 |
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stopwatch |
Commonly used in sports and activities that involve precise time measurement, such as races. It typically has a start, stop, and reset function.
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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.
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chronometer |
Highly precise timekeeping devices, often used in navigation and scientific research. These are usually certified for their accuracy.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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chronometer |
Refers to a high-precision timekeeping device. Often used in navigation and for highly accurate timekeeping needs.
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timepiece |
A general term often used to refer to any kind of watch or clock, typically emphasizing its design or craftsmanship.
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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.