time clock

American  

noun

time clocks plural

1. a clock with an attachment that may be manually activated to stamp or otherwise record the exact time on a card or tape, used to keep a record of the time of something, as of the arrival and departure of employees.

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time clock British  

noun

1. a clock which records, by punching or stamping cards inserted into it, the time of arrival or departure of people, such as employees in a factory

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• time clocks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of time clock

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time clock

New mini airport lounges have craft cocktails and mocktails, nice food offerings and a time clock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 7, 2026

Once it was discovered that most, if not all, of the victims were Vietnamese, a clock showing the time in Vietnam was put up alongside the UK time clock.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2023

“The important thing is being able to say that you punched the time clock every day. You did your tiny bit for social justice.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2022

“Players are adaptable. So whatever time clock you put on there, they’re going to adapt. I’m all for it.”

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 10, 2022

I walked down to the time clock with everyone else, then noticed on the chalkboard that a meeting of the union local was to begin in about half an hour.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover