counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz 

: 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterclockwise

• anticlockwise

Kids Definition

counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz 

: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate

counterclockwise adjective