counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz How to pronounce counterclockwise (audio)
: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front
counterclockwise adjective

Examples of counterclockwise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The steel case is topped with a 12-sided ceramic unidirectional bezel that provides a firm grip and a solid, quiet motion when rotating it counterclockwise. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Upon entering the facility grounds, visitors proceed counterclockwise around the basin, symbolically taking them back to 1945. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025 Pressing down on the wrench, move it counterclockwise then clockwise. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 July 2025 Generally, the way our winter storm conditions tend to work is that a low-pressure system rotates counterclockwise, bringing warm moist air up from southern regions to crash into cold air masses. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterclockwise

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterclockwise was in 1888

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclockwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclockwise. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

counterclockwise

adverb
coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz How to pronounce counterclockwise (audio)
: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate
counterclockwise adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on counterclockwise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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