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

Regardless of cooking method, test for doneness using an instant-read meat thermometer toward the end of cooking time. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026

The difference between these two thermometer measurements is charted against the actual air temperature (the temperature shown on the dry-bulb thermometer) to determine relative humidity (see also hygrometer). —John P. Rafferty, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026

The Farmer’s Cow on Farmington Avenue put up a fundraising thermometer-style sign on its lawn, and supporters are now tracking progress daily. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2026

Wiseman and Glover also tested out the thermometer, blood pressure monitor, stethoscope and otoscope (the tool that allows doctors to examine a patient’s ear) from the Orion medical kit. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 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
• bolometer
• chronometer
• geometer
• hydrometer
• hygrometer
• kilometer
• micrometer
• odometer
• photometer
• psychrometer
• pycnometer

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