water clock

noun

Synonyms of water clocknext
: an instrument designed to measure time by the fall or flow of a quantity of water

called also clepsydra

Examples of water clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Before time zones, people used other methods of telling time like sun dials and water clocks. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025 His intricate water clocks and automata were not only practical but also visually appealing. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 The earliest Chinese water clocks were probably outflow devices and were known as louke. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water clock was in 1601

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Cite this Entry

“Water clock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20clock. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

water clock

noun
: a device or machine for measuring time by the fall or flow of water

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