counterclockwise

adverb

coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz How to pronounce counterclockwise (audio)
Synonyms of counterclockwisenext
: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate as viewed from in front
counterclockwise adjective

Examples of counterclockwise 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.
Pressing down on the wrench, move it counterclockwise then clockwise. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 May 2026 First of all, one now programs the countdown function via the lower pusher on the side of the case, and the countdown minute- and seconds-hands now turn counterclockwise, which is a more intuitive configuration for tracking receding time. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026 Then, rotate them counterclockwise for six circles. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026 Because air swirls counterclockwise around low-pressure systems, Cook says, the alignment will sweep frigid air deep into the central U.S. next Sunday and, from there, into the southeastern states next Monday and Tuesday. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterclockwise

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterclockwise was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclockwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclockwise. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

counterclockwise

adverb
coun·​ter·​clock·​wise ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈkläk-ˌwīz How to pronounce counterclockwise (audio)
: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate
counterclockwise adjective

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