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Showing results for counterclockwise. Search instead for counterclockwise rotation.
Synonyms

counterclockwise

American  
[koun-ter-klok-wahyz] / ˌkaʊn tərˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adjective

  1. in a direction opposite to that of the normal rotation of the hands of a clock; not clockwise.


counterclockwise British  
/ ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adverb

  1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): anticlockwise.  in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hands of a clock

"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 counterclockwise

First recorded in 1885–90; counter- + clockwise

Compare meaning

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Vocabulary lists containing counterclockwise

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:

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

From Science Daily Mar. 13, 2026

On Day 1, you play it clockwise; on Day 2, counterclockwise.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 26, 2025

A clockwise high-pressure system was parked over Northern California and the Great Basin as a counterclockwise low-pressure system hovered over Arizona.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 7, 2025

The dance opens with Abraham in a running solo, winding around the stage in counterclockwise circles.

From New York Times Dec. 4, 2024

The deluge slowed, the clouds circled counterclockwise, and a flock of spotted sandpipers blew in from the coast.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

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