26984 words

clocks

11 definitions • 19 examples
1
a device for measuring and showing time, usually found in or on a building and not worn by a person:

Examples:

We have an antique clock on our mantelpiece.
clock says The town-hall clock says (= shows that the time is) nine o'clock.
clock is fast I think the kitchen clock is fast (= is showing a later time than it should).
clock is slow I think the kitchen clock is slow (= is showing a earlier time than it should).
set a clock She set her clock (= put it to the right time) by the time signal on the radio.
2
to change the time on your clocks to an hour earlier, at an officially chosen time of year:

Examples:

Don't forget to turn the clocks back tonight.
3
to change the time on your clocks to an hour later, at an officially chosen time of year:

Examples:

We turn the clocks forward today, so our children will be short of sleep.
4
a speedometer (= a device that measures speed):

Examples:

on the clock I was only doing 30 mph on the clock.
5
a milometer (= a device for recording distance travelled):

Examples:

on the clock My car's only got 10,000 miles on the clock.
6
to take a particular time exactly to do or complete something:

Examples:

He clocked ten seconds in the 100 metres (= he ran it in ten seconds).
7
to show or reach a particular speed or distance on a measuring device:

Examples:

[ + -ing verb ] The police clocked him doing 80 mph in a 50 mph area.
Jim's car has clocked (= travelled) 40,000 miles in less than two years.
8
to hit someone, especially on the head or face:

Examples:

Then the other guy turned round and clocked him (one) (= hit him).
9
a device for measuring and showing time, often placed on a surface or attached to a wall:

Examples:

The clock is about ten minutes fast/slow (= it shows a later/earlier time than it should).
Cleveland tied the game with five seconds on the clock (= still available).
10
to use an amount of time, esp. as measured by a clock:

Examples:

She clocked the fastest time in practice runs for the women’s downhill skiing event.
11
at work:

Examples:

They are covered by the same medical and liability insurance that covers them when they're on the clock.

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