clockwise

UK: ˈklɒkwaɪz | US: ˈklɑːkwaɪz

Definition

  1. adj. moving in the same direction as the hands of a clock (rightwards in a circle)

  2. adv. in the direction that the hands of a clock move

Structure
clock <time-measuring device>wise <direction or manner>
Etymology

The word "clockwise" combines "clock," referring to the circular motion of clock hands, and the suffix "-wise," derived from Old English wīse ("manner, way"). The term emerged in the mid-19th century to describe directional movement mimicking the rightward rotation of clock hands, contrasting with "counterclockwise." The logic is straightforward: clocks standardized circular motion as a reference for spatial orientation.

Examples

  1. Turn the knob clockwise to tighten it.

  2. The dancers spun clockwise in unison.

  3. The hurricane's winds rotated clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

  4. Screw the lid on by twisting it clockwise.

  5. The sundial's shadow moves clockwise throughout the day.