time clock

American  

noun

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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of time clock

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

I had this feeling that it was this ticking time clock of life.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

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

“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 knew it when I arrived at work and approached the time clock.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover