cuckoo clock

American  

noun

1. a wall or shelf clock, often carved and decorated, that announces the hours by a sound like the call of the cuckoo, usually accompanied by the appearance of an imitation bird through a little door.

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cuckoo clock British  

noun

1. a clock in which a mechanical cuckoo pops out with a sound like a cuckoo's call when the clock strikes

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Etymology

Origin of cuckoo clock

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

"Switzerland has nurtured many unexpected good things -- Albert Einstein's physics, the world economy, and the cuckoo clock leap to mind -- and is again helping the world appreciate improbable people and ideas."

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

A hand-carved cuckoo clock adds a bit of humor.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2025

Nor did it hurt that the star sitting on it, like an angry bird in a giant cuckoo clock, was Jessica Chastain.

From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2023

Authorities say the cuckoo clock wasn’t damaged, nor do they know if there is any relevance to the stopped time, which could have stopped at 5:20 a.m. or 5:20 p.m.

From Washington Times • Mar. 23, 2019

Heidi has to wind the cuckoo clock continually to keep it running continuously.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner