clockwise

American  

[klok-wahyz] / ˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. in the direction of the rotation of the hands of a clock as viewed from the front or above; circularly to the right from a point taken as the top.

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adjective

1. directed clockwise.

   a clockwise movement.

clockwise British  

/ ˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. in the direction that the hands of a clock rotate; from top to bottom towards the right when seen from the front

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Etymology

Origin of clockwise

First recorded in 1885–90; clock ¹ + -wise

Compare meaning

How does clockwise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• clockwise vs. counterclockwise

Example Sentences

Players release the stone down the pebbled ice sheet in such a way that it curls either clockwise or anti-clockwise so they have more control over it.

From BBC

They flew clockwise, coming from the south, rising to a thousand feet above the summit.

From Literature

The answer couldn’t simply be “clockwise”—or why bother asking?

From Literature

If you do have a burst pipe, you can turn the stop tap clockwise to stop the water.

From BBC

The typical group rotation pattern occurs in a clockwise fashion.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• revolving