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
Check for doneness with instant-read thermometer.
—
Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Best Father’s Day gift for Iron Man is a cast-iron skillet of a different size that is not part of his collection, a trusty instant read thermometer, or silicon pot-handle covers.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
There was no soap at two of the handwashing sinks, raw meat was stored above some ready-to-eat food and a thermometer on the dishwasher wasn’t working.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Ebola response interventions include installing handwashing units in health facilities, schools and critical transit sites and distributing thermometers, chlorine and other supplies to treat water.
—Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
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Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Best Father’s Day gift for Iron Man is a cast-iron skillet of a different size that is not part of his collection, a trusty instant read thermometer, or silicon pot-handle covers.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
There was no soap at two of the handwashing sinks, raw meat was stored above some ready-to-eat food and a thermometer on the dishwasher wasn’t working.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Ebola response interventions include installing handwashing units in health facilities, schools and critical transit sites and distributing thermometers, chlorine and other supplies to treat water.
—Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 28 May 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 7 Jun. 2026.
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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
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