A1 noun Neutral #4,935 most common

clock

/klɒk/

A clock is a device used to measure, keep, and indicate time. It is usually found on walls, desks, or buildings rather than being worn on the body.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The clock in the kitchen says it is eight o'clock.

The time device in the kitchen shows it is 8:00.

2

The university tower houses a historic mechanical clock.

The school building has an old machine that tells time.

3

Check the clock; we need to leave now!

Look at the time; it is time for us to go!

Word Family

Noun
clock
Verb
clock
Adverb
clockwise
Adjective
clockwise
Related
clockwork
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Memory Tip

Remember: A Clock is on a Block (a wall or table), but a Watch is on your Wrist (both start with W).

Quick Quiz

I woke up early because my alarm ___ rang at 6:00 AM.

Correct!

The correct answer is: clock

Examples

1

The clock in the kitchen says it is eight o'clock.

everyday

The time device in the kitchen shows it is 8:00.

2

The university tower houses a historic mechanical clock.

formal

The school building has an old machine that tells time.

3

Check the clock; we need to leave now!

informal

Look at the time; it is time for us to go!

4

The experiment requires a highly accurate atomic clock.

academic

The scientific test needs a very precise time instrument.

5

Employees are required to punch the clock upon arrival.

business

Workers must record their start time when they get to work.

Word Family

Noun
clock
Verb
clock
Adverb
clockwise
Adjective
clockwise
Related
clockwork

Common Collocations

alarm clock a clock that makes a sound to wake you up
digital clock a clock that shows numbers instead of hands
wall clock a clock designed to hang on a wall
set the clock to adjust the clock to the correct time
the clock strikes when a clock makes a sound at the start of an hour

Common Phrases

around the clock

happening all day and all night without stopping

against the clock

doing something very fast to finish before a deadline

turn back the clock

to return to a situation or time in the past

Often Confused With

clock vs watch

A watch is worn on your wrist, while a clock is kept in a room or on a building.

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Usage Notes

Use 'clock' for stationary timepieces. When talking about the time shown, you can say 'the clock says' or 'the clock reads'.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'clock' for the device on their wrist; remember to use 'watch' for portable timepieces you wear.

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Memory Tip

Remember: A Clock is on a Block (a wall or table), but a Watch is on your Wrist (both start with W).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Medieval Latin word 'clocca', which means bell.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one clock, two clocks Takes the singular verb: 'The clock is slow.' Usually used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific one in a room.
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Cultural Context

In some Chinese cultures, giving a clock as a gift is avoided because the phrase 'giving a clock' sounds like 'attending a funeral'.

Quick Quiz

I woke up early because my alarm ___ rang at 6:00 AM.

Correct!

The correct answer is: clock

More Home words

dining room

A1

A specific room in a house or building used primarily for eating meals. It usually contains a large table and several chairs for family members and guests.

garage

A1

A garage is a building or a part of a house where you keep cars or other vehicles to protect them. It can also be a place where a mechanic repairs cars or where people sell fuel.

basement

A1

A basement is the lowest floor of a building, usually located partly or completely underground. It is commonly used for storage, laundry, or as an extra living space in a home.

balcony

A1

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

porch

A1

A porch is a covered structure attached to the entrance of a building. It typically has a roof and serves as a space to sit outside while being protected from rain or direct sun.

drawer

A1

A drawer is a sliding, box-shaped container that is part of a piece of furniture like a desk or a dresser. It is used to store things like clothes, papers, or tools and can be pulled out to reach what is inside.

fridge

A1

A fridge is a large kitchen appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for longer. It is the shortened, most common name for a refrigerator used in daily life.

stove

A1

A stove is a large piece of kitchen equipment used for cooking food. It provides heat through burners on the top or an enclosed space called an oven.

microwave

A1

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance used to cook or heat food very quickly using electromagnetic waves. It is mostly used for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen items, or making quick meals.

washing machine

A1

A washing machine is a large household appliance used to wash clothes, towels, and linens automatically. It uses water, detergent, and mechanical action to clean fabrics during different timed cycles.

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