/ˈklɒkwɜ:k ||; ˈklɑkˌwɝk/noun [U] a type of machinery found in certain toys, etc that you operate by turning a key （某些玩具等的）发条装置: a clockwork toy 发条玩具The plan went like clockwork (= smoothly and without any problems). 计划进行顺利。