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 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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterclockwise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterclockwise was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near counterclockwise

Cite this Entry

“Counterclockwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclockwise. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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