clockwork

American  

[klok-wurk] / ˈklɒkˌwɜrk /

noun

clockworks plural

1. the mechanism of a clock.

2. any mechanism similar to that of a clock.

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idioms

1. like clockwork, with perfect regularity or precision.

   The launching of the spacecraft went off like clockwork.

clockwork British  

/ ˈklɒkˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the mechanism of a clock

2. any similar mechanism, as in a wind-up toy

3. with complete regularity and precision

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• clockworks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of clockwork

First recorded in 1620–30; clock ¹ + work

Example Sentences

At the time, she recalled how her father edited films such as Clockwork Orange in the garage.

From BBC • May 24, 2025

Nearby are framed posters from the movies “Pulp Fiction” and “A Clockwork Orange,” and on a small carpeted area are amplifiers, a couch and Brown’s drum kit, ready for impromptu jam sessions.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

Ms. Carlos also used the Moog to conjure the foreboding sound of a dystopian future on the soundtrack to Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film, “A Clockwork Orange.”

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2022

This rebellious streak came to a head in the 1990s when a planned showing of the then banned A Clockwork Orange caused a furore and ended up with Mr Heine in court.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2022

Gia ran her fingertips over the pocket watches on the counter of Fournier's Curious Clockwork Shop in the glitziest area of Betelmore's high street.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton