thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thər-ˈmä-mə-tər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
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 adjective
thermometrically adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The high reading in Washington on Friday was 76 degrees, something of a déjà vu of the thermometer. Martin Weil, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until butter is completely melted and a thermometer inserted in milk mixture registers 120°F, about 5 minutes. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until a meat thermometer registers 140 to 145 degrees F (do not over-bake or your pork chops will be chewy). Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 Bake for 50-55 minutes, basting periodically with pan juices, until the largest chicken pieces register 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. Andrea Weigl, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Flip and cook other side, undisturbed, until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chop registers 135°, 1 to 2 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 28 Jan. 2024 And no probe thermometer in the restaurant to make sure your food is properly cooked through. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 Feb. 2024 Kitchen gadgets are in abundance too, like a knife sharpener, digital meat thermometer, and vacuum sealer machine. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024 To prepare for when your baby gets sick, pair an infrared thermometer that’s 50% off with the FridaBaby NoseFrida, a popular nasal aspirator that helps clear your baby’s stuffy nose. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thermometer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermometer was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near thermometer

Cite this Entry

“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring temperature
especially : one consisting of a glass bulb attached to a fine glass tube 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
thermometric adjective

Medical Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on thermometer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!