counterclockwise

American

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

adjective

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

counterclockwise British

/ ˌkaʊntəˈklɒkˌwaɪz /

adverb

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

How does counterclockwise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

clockwise vs. 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.

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

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

From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2024

The animation below gives a sense of the storm’s motion, spinning counterclockwise and forming a classic cyclone as a jet of moisture flows from it over the West Coast.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2024

According to the book, he had to stir counterclockwise until the potion turned clear as water.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023