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

Several of the cast, including Damon, Hathaway and Pattinson have all collaborated with Nolan previously, while others, such as Zendaya, Holland and Theron are first-timers. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 6 July 2026

Let’s travel path two and figure out how this career part timer doesn’t have to put the rest of their life on hold while the dream career is still TBD. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

To keep up with the fast-moving aerial acts, the app features an adjustable countdown timer set to the official schedule. — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

First-timers should head straight to Mather Point for the initial lookout, then walk a portion of the Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 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