internal clock
noun
1
: a system in the body that controls when a person needs to sleep, eat, etc.
The long trip upset my internal clock and I had a hard time getting to sleep.
2
: a clock or timing device that is inside a computer
Examples of internal clock in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This relates to having a later internal clock compared with actual clock time.
—
Sally Ibrahim,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Jennifer Martin, a professor at Florida International University's College of Medicine, explains that chronotypes are driven by the circadian rhythm—the body's internal clock that regulates sleep, alertness, and other essential daily functions.
—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
Crossing several time zones throws that internal clock out of sync, so your gut’s timing no longer matches your destination.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm—aka, your body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles and the production of hormones like melatonin.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internal clock
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Sally Ibrahim,
The Conversation,
23 June 2026
Jennifer Martin, a professor at Florida International University's College of Medicine, explains that chronotypes are driven by the circadian rhythm—the body's internal clock that regulates sleep, alertness, and other essential daily functions.
—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
Crossing several time zones throws that internal clock out of sync, so your gut’s timing no longer matches your destination.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm—aka, your body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles and the production of hormones like melatonin.
—
Allison Forsyth,
Health,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internal clock
Cite this Entry
“Internal clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal%20clock. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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