What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chronograph
Example
He wore a chronograph watch to track his running time. [chronograph: noun]
Example
The scientist used a chronograph to measure the speed of the experiment. [chronograph: noun]
stopwatch
Example
She used a stopwatch to time her swimming laps. [stopwatch: noun]
Example
The coach used a stopwatch to measure the sprinter's speed. [stopwatch: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stopwatch is more commonly used than chronograph in everyday language, especially in sports and fitness contexts. Chronograph is more specialized and often associated with high-end watches.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chronograph and stopwatch?
While stopwatch is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, chronograph is more formal and typically used in professional or upscale settings.
