Meaning & use
chronograph
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A watch or instrument with an added stopwatch function for measuring short, precise intervals of time.
Grammar: Countable: a chronograph, two chronographs.
Patterns
- wear a chronograph
- a chronograph watch
- use a chronograph
He bought a chronograph to time his laps while running.
The pilot checked the chronograph to measure the approach time.
This chronograph can record intervals to the nearest hundredth of a second.
Word forms
| plural | chronographs |
|---|
Common combinations
- chronograph watch
- She wore a stylish chronograph watch to the meeting.
- digital chronograph
- The digital chronograph is easier to read in the dark.
- split-time chronograph
- A split-time chronograph lets you record two times at once.
- mechanical chronograph
- He prefers a mechanical chronograph for its craftsmanship.
Synonyms and how they differ
- stopwatch
- A stopwatch is a separate device only for timing, while a chronograph is often a feature built into a watch.
- timer
- A timer can be any device that counts down or up, but a chronograph specifically measures elapsed time with precision.
Word family
- chronographic adjective
- Relating to a chronograph or to time recording.
- chronography noun
- The recording of time or events in order.
Commonly confused: chronograph or chronometer? chronograph or chronology?
chronograph vs chronometer
A chronometer is a highly accurate clock, especially for navigation, while a chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function.
chronograph vs chronology
Chronology is the order of events, not a timepiece.
Practice
What is the main function of a chronograph?
Choose one answer.
A chronograph includes a stopwatch for timing intervals. A chronometer is for extreme accuracy, a calendar shows the date, and a moon phase display is a different complication.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “chronograph”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.