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 of timer

• clock

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

Bring the excitement off the screen and into the real world with this fun hide and seek figure, which encourages active play with a timer and spoken clues to lead kids to her hiding spot. —Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

Half-and-half at the self-service counter was supposed to be on a 90-minute timer but the timer had not been started by staff. —Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Unlike holes in the wall populated primarily by regulars, Whistle Stop can welcome hundreds of first-timers around Colts games or major conventions. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025

Kildegaard’s Freedivewithme provides direct booking for lessons tailored to first-timers, experts, and everyone in between. —Vanita Salisbury, AFAR Media, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing timer

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

Rhymes for timer

• climber
• dimer
• eimer
• primer
• rhymer
• alzheimer
• heterodimer

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