Clockwise: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：in the direction a clock's hands move (clockwise)

clockwise 🔊

/ˈklɒkwaɪz/

adj.

Moving in the same direction as the hands move on a clock.

Clockwise direction illustrated by a hand turning a kitchen timer knob to the right

in the direction a clock's hands move 🔊

➕

/ɪn ðə daɪˈrɛkʃən ə klɒks hændz muːv/

adj.

Describes rotation or circular motion that follows the same path as the traditional hands on an analog clock (from top to right, to bottom, to left).

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'clock' (timekeeping device) + '-wise' (indicating manner or direction).

💡 Mnemonic

C.LOCK + WISE = follow the CLOCK's hands to be WISE about direction.

📖 Example

In the yoga class, the instructor asked us to slowly turn our heads clockwise to stretch our necks. 🔊 During the yoga session, the teacher directed us to rotate our heads gently in a clockwise manner to release tension in our neck muscles.

🔗 Collocations

turn clockwise – To twist or spin something in the direction of clock hands.

rotate clockwise – To cause something to spin around its axis following a clock's motion.

move in a clockwise direction – To proceed along a circular path mimicking the movement of a clock's hands.

🔄 Synonyms

deasil (adv.) – A chiefly Scottish term meaning in the direction of the sun's apparent course (right-handed, clockwise), often used in ceremonial contexts.

sunwise (adj./adv.) – Moving in the same direction as the sun's path across the sky, which in the Northern Hemisphere corresponds to a clockwise direction.

right-handed (adj.) – Can describe a twisting or screwing motion that follows a clockwise direction, as most standard screws and lids are designed.

🚫 Antonyms

counterclockwise (adj./adv.) – Moving in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock.

anticlockwise (adj./adv.) – A synonym for counterclockwise, more common in British English.

widdershins (adv.) – A chiefly Scottish word meaning in a direction contrary to the sun's course, i.e., counterclockwise.

🌱 Derivatives

counterclockwise (adj./adv.) – In the opposite direction to clockwise.

📖 Cultural Story

The term emerged in the 19th century with the widespread use of analog clocks. Its primary cultural role is providing a universal standard for describing rotational direction in instructions, from opening jar lids to adjusting machinery.