tell the time
Interpret clock faces
To tell the time is to read a clock or watch and state what hour it is.
The phrase often appears in contexts of childhood learning: She's only four but she can already tell the time.
British English favors this form; Americans more often say "tell time" without the article.
Device displaying time
- watchPortable timekeeping device
- wristwatchPortable timekeeping accessory
- timepieceHour-measuring device
- sundialShadow-based timekeeper
hourglass · grandfather clock · cuckoo clock · analog · digital · clock face · hands · numerals
Gaining knowledge gradually
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- hour handStubby timepiece indicator
- minute handDial arm showing fractions
- second handAlready owned before
clockwise · half past · quarter to · quarter past · o'clock · AM · PM · 24-hour
Apology for minor intrusion
- glanceBrief, casual look
- quick lookBrief visual inspection
- phone checkQuick look at mobile
- timezoneLongitudinal time region
clock
Device displaying time
- watchPortable timekeeping device
- wristwatchPortable timekeeping accessory
- timepieceHour-measuring device
sundial · hourglass · grandfather clock · cuckoo clock · analog · digital · clock face · hands · numerals · tick-tock
learning
Gaining knowledge gradually
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- hour handStubby timepiece indicator
- minute handDial arm showing fractions
second hand · clockwise · half past · quarter to · quarter past · o'clock · AM · PM · 24-hour · bedtime
excuse me
Apology for minor intrusion
- glanceBrief, casual look
- quick lookBrief visual inspection
- phone checkQuick look at mobile