First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1clock
noun, often attributive \ˈkläk\
Definition of CLOCK
1
: a device other than a watch for indicating or measuring time commonly by means of hands moving on a dial; broadly : any periodic system by which time is measured
2
: a registering device usually with a dial; specifically : odometer
3
4
: a synchronizing device (as in a computer) that produces pulses at regular intervals
5
— against the clock
1
: with or within a time constraint <working against the clock>
2
: with clocked speed rather than the order of finish as the criterion for placement <trial races against the clock>
— around the clock also round the clock
1
: continuously for 24 hours : day and night without cessation
2
: without relaxation and heedless of time
— kill the clock or run out the clock
: to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead
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Origin of CLOCK
Middle English clok, from Middle Dutch clocke bell, clock, from Old French or Medieval Latin; Old French dialect (Picard) cloque bell, from Medieval Latin clocca, of Celtic origin; akin to Middle Irish clocc bell
2clock
verb
: to measure the amount of time it takes for (a person) to do something or for (something) to be completed
: to finish a race in (an amount of time)
: to measure or show (the speed of something) with a measuring device
Full Definition of CLOCK
transitive verb
1
a : to time with a stopwatch or by an electric timing device b : to be timed at
2
: to register on a mechanical recording device <wind velocities were clocked at 80 miles per hour>
3
: to hit hard
4
5
a : to travel (a distance) over time <clocks more than 15,000 miles a year on business> b : put in 3 <clocking long hours at the office>
intransitive verb
1
: to have a specified duration or speed —used with in <the movie clocked in at just under 3 hours>; broadly : to have a specified measure or value —used with in <the meal clocked in at about $15>
2
: to register on a time sheet or time clock : punch —used with in, out, on, off <he clocked in late>
— clock·er noun
See clock defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLOCK
1883
3clock
noun
Definition of CLOCK
: an ornamental figure on the ankle or side of a stocking or sock
Origin of CLOCK
perhaps from 1clock
First Known Use: 1530
CLOCK Defined for Kids
1clock
noun \ˈkläk\
Definition of CLOCK for Kids
: a device for measuring or telling the time and especially one not meant to be worn or carried by a person
— around the clock
: at every hour of the day <The store is open around the clock.>
2clock
verb
clockedclock·ing
Definition of CLOCK for Kids
1
: to measure the amount of time it takes to do something <We ran while the coach clocked us.>
2
: to show (as time or speed) on a recording device
Medical Dictionary
clock
noun \ˈkläk\
Learn More About CLOCK
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