clockwork

noun

clock·​work ˈkläk-ˌwərk 

1

: the inner workings of something

2

: the machinery (such as springs and a train of gears) that run a clock

also : a similar mechanism running a mechanical device (such as a toy)

3

: the precision, regularity, or absence of variation associated with a clock or clockwork

a clockwork operation

—used in the phrase like clockwork to describe something that happens or works in a regular and exact way

This type of star has a wonderful property: Its brightness waxes and wanes like clockwork…

—Ron Cowen

If everything went like clockwork, it would have taken a year to get items in stores.

—Brooks Barnes

Examples of clockwork in a Sentence

the clockwork inside a mechanical toy soldier

Recent Examples on the Web

For the past three years, ABC has been like clockwork, kicking off its renewals in January or early February with a pickup of its flagship comedy Abbott Elementary. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026

Such ideal alignments occur like clockwork every two years, setting a natural cadence for new Mars missions. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026

The service Like clockwork, from the super slick housekeeping who came after breakfast every day to the charming and chatty serving staff. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Like clockwork at least once a month, there was a new track, a new idea, a new spark. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clockwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork
• falsework

Kids Definition

clockwork

noun

clock·​work ˈkläk-ˌwərk 

: machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels