Clockwise means moving in the same direction that the hands of a clock move: starting at the top and going toward the right, then down, then left, and back to the top. If you trace a circle in the air starting at 12 o'clock and moving through 3, 6, and 9, you're moving clockwise.

You'll encounter this word often when following instructions. Recipes might tell you to stir clockwise. A board game might say to move clockwise around the board. When you open most jars, you turn the lid counterclockwise (the opposite direction) to loosen it, and clockwise to tighten it. Remember: righty tighty, lefty loosey.

The opposite of clockwise is counterclockwise (also called anticlockwise in some countries), which means moving in the reverse direction. Understanding these terms helps you follow directions precisely, whether you're tightening a screw, playing a game, or learning a new dance move.