Clockwork/ˈklɑːkwɜːrk/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Mechanical Inner Workings Refers to the complex parts inside machines, not just clocks. The clockwork of antique watches is intricate and delicate. Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use Can describe any system working together smoothly, not only mechanics. Their team worked like clockwork to finish the project on time. Pro Tip 3/3Curiosity Context Often used when someone is curious about how things work. He always had a fascination with the clockwork of old radios.