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Language Foundation

clock in

to record the time at which you begin work, typically by using a time clock.

In plain English

This means making an official note of the moment a work period starts. It refers to the beginning of work time, not the end. It is commonly done with a time clock.

In context

Here, "clock in" tells the person to record the time they are starting work.

Situation
Managing schedules, shifts, attendance, leave, timesheets, and availability
What it communicates
Main button for recording the start of a work period.

Meaning limits

By itself, the term only covers recording the start time and does not say anything about when the work period ends.

Examples

“At 8:00, Nina clocked in for the morning shift.”

Core meaning

“The supervisor reminded the crew to clock in when they arrived for work.”

In context

  • clock on Near Synonym

    In this sense, both mean recording the time you start work.

  • clock out Opposite

    This means recording the time you stop work, not the time you start.