timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər 

: one that times: such as

a

: timepiece

especially : a stopwatch for timing races

b

: timekeeper

c

: a device (such as a clock) that indicates by a sound the end of an interval of time or that starts or stops a device at predetermined times

Synonyms of timer

• clock

Examples of timer in a Sentence

He was the official timer for the race.

She set the timer on the oven for one hour.

The timer is set to go off in 15 minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The same guide notes that the brand and model of the diffuser, the type of scent cartridges or oils used and add-ons such as programmable timers or remote controls can all push costs higher. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

The number of part-timers has been more than double the number of tenure or tenure-track faculty for at least the last 25 years. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Doors that were firmly shut on a Gen Z first-timer are now creaking open and enquiries are coming in from those who never replied to earlier emails. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 24 June 2026

In many cases, repeat visitors who have successfully registered still have to wait in line for kiosks with all the first timers, saving almost nothing. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing timer

• all-timer
• egg timer
• full-timer
• old-timer
• one-timer

Rhymes for timer

• climber
• dimer
• eimer
• primer
• rhymer
• alzheimer
• heterodimer

Kids Definition

timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər 

1

a

: timepiece

b

: timekeeper sense 2

2

: a clocklike device that turns something on or off at a set time or gives a signal at the end of a period of time