clockwork

[klok-wurk]

noun

1. the mechanism of a clock.

2. any mechanism similar to that of a clock.

clockwork

/ ˈklɒkˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the mechanism of a clock

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

3. with complete regularity and precision

Word History and Origins

Origin of clockwork¹

First recorded in 1620–30; clock ¹ + work

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. like clockwork, with perfect regularity or precision.

   The launching of the spacecraft went off like clockwork.

Example Sentences

The retired cop, the newlyweds, the sword enthusiast — they return every school year like clockwork.

From Salon

In 2005, the butter-wouldn’t-melt Gibson finally agreed to pose nude for Playboy, which had “called us like clockwork about every two years or so” since her 18th birthday.

From Los Angeles Times

Before those questions get their due, however, “Relay” sets itself up with clockwork precision as a straightforward big-city nail-biter about staying one step ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, earthquakes didn’t seem to re-occur like clockwork, rupturing the same stretch of fault in a repeatable, predictable pattern.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve always liked trivia that rewards not just the recall of the right fact but has a little more mental clockwork involved so you have to solve some puzzles.

From Los Angeles Times