timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər 

: one that times: such as

a

: timepiece

especially : a stopwatch for timing races

b

: timekeeper

c

: a device (such as a clock) that indicates by a sound the end of an interval of time or that starts or stops a device at predetermined times

Synonyms

• chronometer
• clock
• timekeeper
• timepiece

Examples of timer in a Sentence

He was the official timer for the race.

She set the timer on the oven for one hour.

The timer is set to go off in 15 minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

To avoid that curse, try this: rehearse your speech with a timer and whatever the outcome, shorten it by 10 to 20 percent. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2024

Use the smart speaker with voice control to play tunes, listen to podcasts, create routines around your home, check the weather, and set timers. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024

Its easy-to-read display features various timer settings, an air quality indicator, and a filter replacement indicator. —Laura Lu, Ms, Health, 29 Nov. 2024

Set a timer for exactly five minutes and devote that time to tidying. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing timer

• all-timer
• egg timer
• full-timer
• old-timer
• one-timer

Kids Definition

timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər 

1

a

: timepiece

b

: timekeeper sense 2

2

: a clocklike device that turns something on or off at a set time or gives a signal at the end of a period of time