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

The streamer has found its leading lady for the biopic, plucking an unknown first-timer to play the sertanejo icon. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Simply turn it on, then adjust the heat, color, and timer to your liking. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026

Additionally, Gemini will be able to perform basic functions even when the watch is offline, such as managing timers and alarms or starting a workout. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Edibles are frequently absorbed unevenly and impatience is one of the most common reasons first-timers end up overdoing it. — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

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