cuckoo clock

noun

1. a wall or shelf clock, often carved and decorated, that announces the hours by a sound like the call of the cuckoo, usually accompanied by the appearance of an imitation bird through a little door.

cuckoo clock

noun

1. a clock in which a mechanical cuckoo pops out with a sound like a cuckoo's call when the clock strikes

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuckoo clock¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

From the point of view of the Notre Dame football team, that had to be something of a relief: She was an unbalanced cuckoo clock.

From The Daily Beast

A lovely bracket of carved wood fixed to the wall held a cheap cuckoo-clock from Switzerland.

From Project Gutenberg

At stated periods it makes a noise exactly like a cuckoo clock.

From Project Gutenberg

I can almost hear the cuckoo clock ticking against the wall.'

From Project Gutenberg

A cuckoo clock and a few hooks of chamois horn carry out the effect.

From Project Gutenberg

"Your grace has missed the last train," said Lady Belgrade, at length, as the little cuckoo clock on the mantel shelf struck ten.

From Project Gutenberg