escapement

noun

es·​cape·​ment i-ˈskāp-mənt How to pronounce escapement (audio)
1
a
: a device in a timepiece which controls the motion of the train of wheelwork and through which the energy of the power source is delivered to the pendulum or balance by means of impulses that permit a tooth to escape from a pallet at regular intervals
b
: a ratchet device (such as the spacing mechanism of a typewriter) that permits motion in one direction only in equal steps
2
a
: the act of escaping
b
: a way of escape : vent

Illustration of escapement

Illustration of escapement
  • escapement 1a

Examples of escapement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Separate gear trains and barrels run into a single escapement (in this case, the toubillon). Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024 Of course, the Millennium also features the famed watchmaker’s patented invention: the co-axial escapement. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2023 The tourbillon houses the balance wheel, balance spring, and escapement in a rotating cage, setting the entire assembly in perpetual motion and effectively canceling the pull of gravity. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023 The finishing of the escapement wheel alone is said to take five days, and the shimmering effect of the pink-gold dial is created by lightly tapping an engraving tool across the surface more than 200,000 times. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2023 The switching from compression to bending is the essence of the company’s constant escapement. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2023 The escapement’s pallet lever, on the other hand, is unusually crafted in 14-karat gold, a nod to historical chronometers. Elizabeth Doerr, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2023 Gates said the last time that happened was in 2019, when escapement goals were easily cleared. Bill Roth, Anchorage Daily News, 29 June 2023 This key-wind dumb quarter-repeating, jump-hour movement with ruby-cylinder escapement is housed in a 54mm case. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 26 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escapement.' 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

1779, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of escapement was in 1779

Dictionary Entries Near escapement

Cite this Entry

“Escapement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escapement. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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