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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of clockwise

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


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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Originating in the Atlantic Ocean's Sargasso Sea, sargassum was pushed by clockwise currents into nutrient-rich waters where it has exploded in growth.

From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026

A clockwise march past the 85 exhibits develops a chronology from the birth of modern war in the tangled British and French corpses of J.M.W.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Bob Baker Marionette Theater performs at the River Solstice Festival, clockwise from top left.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

When a small portion of GldJ is removed, the motor reverses its rotation from counterclockwise to clockwise.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

She traced a clockwise circle in the soil as a sign of respect and reverence, a technique she'd seen Gran do.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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