# clock

/ˈkɫɑk/ (US) · /klˈɒk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clock
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. timepiece

noun · CEFR A1

a device that shows what time it is, usually on a wall or a desk.

For teachers: an instrument for measuring and indicating time, typically not worn on the person.

- The clock on the kitchen wall says it is nearly lunchtime.
- The grandfather clock in the hallway struck twelve, its deep chime echoing through the silent house.

### 3. vehicle odometer

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

the instrument in a car that shows how many miles or kilometres it has travelled.

For teachers: the odometer of a motor vehicle, indicating the total distance travelled.

- The used car was cheap because it had over 200,000 miles on the clock.
- The mechanic suspected the vehicle had been tampered with, as the wear on the pedals did not match the low mileage on the clock.

### 4. to measure speed or time

verb · CEFR B1

to measure how fast someone or something is moving.

For teachers: to record the speed or duration of an object or event, often using a stopwatch or radar.

- The police officer clocked the driver going 90 miles per hour.
- The sprinter was clocked at under ten seconds during the semi-finals, setting a new personal best for the season.

### 5. to notice

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to see or notice something, especially something interesting or unusual.

For teachers: to perceive, notice, or recognize someone or something.

- I clocked him walking into the shop earlier this morning.
- She immediately clocked the tension in the room, realizing that the meeting had not gone as planned.

### 6. to hit

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to hit someone very hard, usually in the face.

For teachers: to strike a person with significant force, typically on the head or face.

- He almost got clocked in the face during the argument.
- The protagonist narrowly avoided being clocked by the villain's heavy swing in the final action sequence.

## Examples

- The clock on the wall shows the time.
- He glanced at the kitchen clock and realized he was late for his appointment.
- The grandfather clock in the hall chimed every hour, its steady rhythm a comforting presence throughout the old house.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.