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 way

This type of star has a wonderful property: Its brightness waxes and wanes like clockwork…

—Ron Cowen

If everything went like clockwork, it would have taken a year to get items in stores.

—Brooks Barnes

Examples 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

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

clockwork

noun

clock·​work ˈkläk-ˌwərk 

: machinery (as in a mechanical toy) containing a set of small cogwheels