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 way

This type of star has a wonderful property: Its brightness waxes and wanes like clockwork…

—Ron Cowen

If everything went like clockwork, it would have taken a year to get items in stores.

—Brooks Barnes

Examples of clockwork in a Sentence

the clockwork inside a mechanical toy soldier

Recent Examples on the Web

Christie’s Rare Watches auction didn’t run like clockwork on Monday. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 May 2024

The carny’s clockwork arrival honored an event even kids as small as Pontiac knew. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clockwork

• like clockwork

Kids Definition

clockwork

noun

clock·​work ˈkläk-ˌwərk 

: machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels