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 wayThis type of star has a wonderful property: Its brightness waxes and wanes like clockwork…—
Ron Cowen
Ron CowenIf everything went like clockwork, it would have taken a year to get items in stores.—Brooks Barnes
Brooks BarnesExamples of clockwork in a Sentence
the clockwork inside a mechanical toy soldier
Recent Examples on the Web
On the other hand, enterprise mobility management moved through the phases almost like clockwork and will likely remain commoditized due to the Microsoft effect.
—Mark Tauschek, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Everything here is pulled off with admirable skill and elegance, just like clockwork… almost like the Jackal pulling off one of his hits, actually.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024
Then, like clockwork, a bunch of Democrats got mad.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
The next morning, like clockwork, a boat pulls up and the game takes a turn.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clockwork 
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Mark Tauschek, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Everything here is pulled off with admirable skill and elegance, just like clockwork… almost like the Jackal pulling off one of his hits, actually.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024
Then, like clockwork, a bunch of Democrats got mad.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
The next morning, like clockwork, a boat pulls up and the game takes a turn.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clockwork
Dictionary Entries Near clockwork
Cite this Entry
“Clockwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clockwork. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clockwork
noun
clock·work
ˈkläk-ˌwərk
: machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels
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