clockwork

American  

[klok-wurk] / ˈklɒkˌwɜrk /

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of clockwork

First recorded in 1620–30; clock ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Like clockwork, the Mercedes arrived and parked at the foot of a runway in the small, posh airport that serves this air-conditioned resort city.

From Los Angeles Times

My daughter and I brought the Santas out from the garage like clockwork each November to start decorating our home, and we kept them up well into the new year.

From Los Angeles Times

At 74, I jumped into the 889th of the 1,200 circles and am moving through the 25th row like clockwork.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ask a futurist about self-driving cars, and you’ll hear an exciting story: traffic that flows like clockwork, pedestrians stepping into the street without fear, and collisions so rare they make the news.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nor had she reported receiving the packets of poultice that Miss Mortimer sent Penelope every few months, like clockwork.

From Literature