chronograph

noun

chro·​no·​graph ˈkrä-nə-ˌgraf How to pronounce chronograph (audio)
ˈkrō-
Synonyms of chronographnext
: an instrument for measuring and recording time intervals: such as
a
: an instrument having a revolving drum on which a stylus makes marks
b
: stopwatch
also : a watch incorporating the functions of a stopwatch
c
: an instrument for measuring the time of flight of projectiles
chronographic adjective
chronography noun

Examples of chronograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The white-gold indices, also hand-engraved, and star trails, evoking the night sky, are joined by 18-karat-pink-gold hands, a visible flying-tourbillon cage, a dual-register split-seconds flyback chronograph, and a semi-Gregorian perpetual calendar. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026 On the chronograph side, two column wheels control the levers and hammers. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 The obvious gap in this collection is a chronograph of some kind. Chris Hall, Wired News, 8 Feb. 2026 Other features include a chronograph and a calendar. John Monaco, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronograph

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French chronographe, from chrono- chrono- + -graphe -graph

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronograph was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chronograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronograph. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

chronograph

noun
chro·​no·​graph ˈkrän-ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce chronograph (audio)
ˈkrō-nə-
: an instrument for measuring and recording stretches of time with exactness
chronographic adjective
chronography noun

Medical Definition

chronograph

noun
chro·​no·​graph ˈkrän-ə-ˌgraf, ˈkrō-nə- How to pronounce chronograph (audio)
: an instrument for measuring and recording time intervals: as
a
: an instrument having a revolving drum on which a stylus makes marks
b
: a watch incorporating the functions of a stopwatch
chronographic adjective
chronography noun

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