clockwork

American  

[klok-wurk] / ˈklɒkˌwɜrk /

noun

1. the mechanism of a clock.

2. any mechanism similar to that of a clock.

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idioms

1. like clockwork, with perfect regularity or precision.

   The launching of the spacecraft went off like clockwork.

clockwork British  

/ ˈklɒkˌwɜːk /

noun

1. the mechanism of a clock

2. any similar mechanism, as in a wind-up toy

3. with complete regularity and precision

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Etymology

Origin of clockwork

First recorded in 1620–30; clock ¹ + work

Example Sentences

With everything working like clockwork, he's clearly run out of things to complain about.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

I’m not sure what would provoke anyone to tune in, but like clockwork, the viewership billowed to the thousands.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

My daughter and I brought the Santas out from the garage like clockwork each November to start decorating our home, and we kept them up well into the new year.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

At 74, I jumped into the 889th of the 1,200 circles and am moving through the 25th row like clockwork.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Like clockwork, my computer screen lights up, Stella’s long-awaited call coming in.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott