How to pronounce clockwise
Say it like KLOK-wyze. Clockwise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce clockwise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLOK
- wyze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clockwise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- wyzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of clockwise
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KLOK-wyze.
What does clockwise mean?
- Moving clockwise; having rotary motion in the manner of a clock.“In the southern hemisphere the flow of air around a low-pressure system is clockwise.”
- In a curve or twist corresponding to the movement of the hands of a clock.“Turn the handle clockwise to open it.”
Where does clockwise come from?
From clock + -wise.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying clockwise
How do you pronounce clockwise?
Say KLOK-wyze. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɑˌkwaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈklɒˌkwaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clockwise?
Clockwise has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOK). Broken into parts: KLOK · wyze.
Is clockwise pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈklɒˌkwaɪz/ (KLOK-wyze).