horologium
[hoː.rɔˈɫɔ.ɡi.ũː]neuter
The English word "clock" is translated into Latin as horologium. Wiktionary also lists hōrārium.
Meaning: instrument to measure or keep track of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| horologium | [hoː.rɔˈɫɔ.ɡi.ũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [o.roˈlɔː.d͡ʒi.um] (narrow) |
neuter |
| hōrārium | Late, neuter |
The term refers to an instrument used to measure or keep track of time.
What does it mean word for word?
horologium is derived from hora (hour) and the suffix -logium (instrument/study), literally meaning an instrument for the hour.
Which one should you use?
horologium is the classical term, whereas hōrārium is a Late Latin form used more frequently in later ecclesiastical or scientific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
horologium is a neuter noun. To indicate possession or to say "of the clock", use the genitive singular form horologii. To refer to multiple clocks, use the plural form horologia.
Did you know?
- The term horologium is used in modern astronomy to name certain constellations, keeping the classical Latin tradition of naming celestial patterns.
- In many medieval contexts, a hōrārium could refer to a book or a list of hours rather than a mechanical device.
- The Latin word horologium was borrowed directly from the Ancient Greek word hōrológion.
Examples in context
- Ubi horologium meum est?Where is my clock?This sentence is useful for asking the location of your clock using horologium.Tatoeba #1279781 by alexmarcelo, translation #410905 by CK
- Hoc horologium fractum est.This clock is broken.This sentence is useful for describing a clock that is broken using horologium.Tatoeba #1142268 by alexmarcelo, translation #1156671 by CK
- Molly magnum horologium habet.Molly has a large clock.This sentence is useful for stating that someone possesses a large clock using horologium.Tatoeba #1079683 by alexmarcelo, translation #30324 by CN
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are in a room looking for a way to tell the time.
- LuciaUbi est horologium?Where is the clock?
- LuciusHorologium in mensa est.The clock is on the table.
- LuciaCur horologium non movetur?Why does the clock not move?
- LuciusNunc horologium emendare debemus.Now we must repair the clock.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clock” translations and entries horologium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries horologium, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
