How to pronounce clockwork
Say it like KLOK-wurk. Clockwork 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 clockwork. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLOK
- wurk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clockwork 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.
- wurkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of clockwork
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KLOK-wurk.
What does clockwork mean?
- A mechanism powered by a coiled spring and regulated by some form of escapement; the power is transmitted through toothed gearwheels and used to drive a mechanical clock, toy, or other device.
- The action of behaving mechanically in the manner of a clock.
- Driven by clockwork.
- Very smooth and regular.
Where does clockwork come from?
From clock + -work.
Questions about saying clockwork
How do you pronounce clockwork?
Say KLOK-wurk. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɑˌkwɝk/. In British English it is /ˈklɒkwɜːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clockwork?
Clockwork has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLOK). Broken into parts: KLOK · wurk.
Is clockwork pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈklɒkwɜːk/ (KLOK-wurk).