clockwork
noun
clock·work
ˈkläk-ˌwərk 
1
: the inner workings of something
2
: the machinery (such as springs and a train of gears) that run a clock
also
: a similar mechanism running a mechanical device (such as a toy)
3
: the precision, regularity, or absence of variation associated with a clock or clockwork
a clockwork operation
—used in the phrase like clockwork to describe something that happens or works in a regular and exact wayThis type of star has a wonderful property: Its brightness waxes and wanes like clockwork…—
Ron Cowen
Ron CowenIf everything went like clockwork, it would have taken a year to get items in stores.—Brooks Barnes
Brooks BarnesExamples of clockwork in a Sentence
the clockwork inside a mechanical toy soldier
Recent Examples on the Web
Like clockwork, the sugary snack lobby made their case to keep their products nutrition-assistance approved.
—Audrey Fahlberg, National Review, 13 July 2025
As soon as daylight saving time hits, like clockwork, my once borderline obsessive need to have perfectly pristine floors, windows, walls, and closets is thrown to the wayside.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Odell Beckham one-handed catches at MetLife. Like clockwork.
—Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
The name, Stormy Valley, is a nod to Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, where the Appleton Estate is based, and where daily rain showers arrive at 2:30 pm like clockwork.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clockwork
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Audrey Fahlberg, National Review, 13 July 2025
As soon as daylight saving time hits, like clockwork, my once borderline obsessive need to have perfectly pristine floors, windows, walls, and closets is thrown to the wayside.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Odell Beckham one-handed catches at MetLife. Like clockwork.
—Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
The name, Stormy Valley, is a nod to Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, where the Appleton Estate is based, and where daily rain showers arrive at 2:30 pm like clockwork.
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clockwork
Cite this Entry
“Clockwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clockwork. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clockwork
noun
clock·work
ˈkläk-ˌwərk
: machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels
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