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

thermometric

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

thermometrically

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

JumpSmart also includes a compass, thermometer, reflector strip, and emergency audible alarm that is perfect for hiking, camping, and off-roading. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Purchasing a soil thermometer can help you time and plan your grass seeding accurately. — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026

Employees did not demonstrate knowledge of location and use of a probe thermometer. — Vince Basada august 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Cook, turning once, until crust is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest portion of each piece registers 165°F, 12 to 16 minutes per batch (see Frying Guide at right). — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thermometer

• clinical thermometer
• dry-bulb thermometer
• forehead thermometer
• temporal artery thermometer
• temporal thermometer

Rhymes for thermometer

• barometer
• chronometer
• geometer
• hydrometer
• hygrometer
• kilometer
• micrometer
• odometer
• photometer
• psychrometer
• pycnometer
• pyrometer

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər 

: an instrument for measuring temperature

thermometric

ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik 

adjective

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