timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
: one that times: such as
a
: timepiece
especially : a stopwatch for timing races
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

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 It’s equipped with three cleaning modes that can cater to your specific needs, plus a 2-minute timer to help keep track of time. Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 The sleep timer was tested earlier this year for Premium members, and will come to the YouTube mobile app. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024 Next, bring the water to a boil, and start your timer when the water starts boiling. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024 Additionally, set your lights on timers to turn off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., which coincides with the peak activity times for migrating birds. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for timer 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timer was in 1648

Dictionary Entries Near timer

Cite this Entry

“Timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

timer

noun
tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on timer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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