noun
clockwork
KLOK-wurk
noun
1
A mechanism driven by a wound spring and gears, used in clocks, toys, and other devices.
"The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple clockwork mechanism."
adj
1
Very regular, precise, and predictable, like the working of a clock.
"The trains ran with clockwork precision."
How to Use Clockwork
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gears that power a clock or wind-up toy, or (as an adjective) something extremely regular and predictable.
Common pairings
like clockwork
clockwork precision
clockwork toy
Word Forms
clockworks plural
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The old toy soldier marched thanks to a simple _____ mechanism.
Etymology
A compound of clock and work, referring to the internal gear mechanism of a clock.