thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thər-ˈmä-mə-tər 
thə-ˈmä-mə-tər
plural thermometers
: an instrument for determining temperature
specifically
: one consisting of a sensor housed in a metal probe that registers a change in electrical resistance as a change in temperature
Examples of thermometer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Place skillet in preheated oven, and cook until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, about 20 minutes.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak reads 130°F–135°F for medium-rare, about 5 minutes.
—Eric Wareheim, Saveur, 26 Feb. 2026
The Journal Sentinel reviewed school maintenance records and provided room thermometers to classroom teachers at four schools throughout the 2024-25 school year.
—Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The thermometer had bits of food stuck to it and the hand-washing sink was blocked with a plastic container.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak reads 130°F–135°F for medium-rare, about 5 minutes.
—Eric Wareheim, Saveur, 26 Feb. 2026
The Journal Sentinel reviewed school maintenance records and provided room thermometers to classroom teachers at four schools throughout the 2024-25 school year.
—Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 26 Feb. 2026
The thermometer had bits of food stuck to it and the hand-washing sink was blocked with a plastic container.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
Cite this Entry
“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər
: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
