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 race is run counterclockwise on a 26.22-mile course in Central Park. 1981 — The Atlanta Falcons, trailing 17-0 with 13 minutes remaining in the game, score 31 points to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-17. —Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023

Set your fans to move counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 18 July 2023

Make sure the blades are running counterclockwise for a cooling effect. —Jessica Roy, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2023

Otherwise, turn it counterclockwise and wait for the water bowl to refill to an appropriate level before trying to flush it again. —Angela Watson, chicagotribune.com, 29 Mar. 2021

Ceiling fan directions for summer should be counterclockwise, creating a downdraft that redistributes cool air around the room. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2023

The same goes for outdoor fans, which should turn counterclockwise. —USA TODAY, 1 June 2023

To buy: Nekteck Neck and Back Massager $37 (was $70); amazon.com The eight massaging heads move clockwise or counterclockwise and are designed to hit specific acupuncture points in your neck. —Chaunie Brusie, Health, 5 May 2023

Turn these levers all the way counterclockwise until the vise moves freely on its base, Next, slide the handle on the movable jaw all the way to the side and use the handle to turn the vise on its base. —Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 26 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

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