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

One calls for cutting a potato in half across its width, pressing it over the socket, and twisting it counterclockwise. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024

If you were perched above the North Pole, looking down on the planet from space, Earth would seem to be turning counterclockwise, with the moon traveling in the same direction, just more slowly, Nichols says. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 3 Feb. 2024

Nutations can be prograde (the axis moving counterclockwise relative to its surroundings) or retrograde (the opposite of that). —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 2 July 2023

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

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