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Definition of clock

clock

/klɑːk/
clock

Plural:clocks
•
Past Simple:clocked
•
Past Participle:clocked
•
Present Participle:clocking
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clock Lexical Profile

clock Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mechanical or electrical device for measuring and indicating time, typically featuring a dial with hands or a digital display.

Example

"She glanced at the wall clock and realized she was going to be late for her appointment."


2

A timer or system used to track the duration of a specific event, such as a sports match or a shift at work.

Example

"With only ten seconds left on the clock, the home team managed to score the winning goal."


3

A synchronized mechanism or biological system that regulates the timing of processes, such as a computer's processor cycle or an organism's circadian rhythm.

Example

"Jet lag occurs when your internal biological clock is out of sync with the local time zone."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To measure or record the speed, time, or performance of someone or something.

Example

"The police officer clocked the sports car driving at over ninety miles per hour on the highway."


2

To achieve, register, or log a specific time, speed, or amount.

Example

"The experienced runner easily clocked a new personal best in the marathon."


3

To hit or strike someone heavily, typically on the head or face (informal).

Example

"During the sudden bar brawl, he got clocked in the jaw by an unseen assailant."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for clock

• Rhymes for clock

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'clok', from Middle Dutch 'clocke' (bell, clock), derived from Old Northern French 'cloque' (bell), ultimately from Medieval Latin 'clocca', which is likely of Celtic origin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clock. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 10, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clock
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