timer

noun tim·er \ ˈtī-mər \

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of timer

: 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

See timer defined for English-language learners

See timer defined for kids

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 of timer from the Web

There are also 5 million part-timers who’d like to be full-time; 2.8 million people who lost a job last month or were on a temporary contract that ended; and 1.4 million who are looking for openings sporadically or have given up.

— katia dmitrieva, Bloomberg.com, "Leading Democrats Are Backing One of the Most Radical Economic Plans in Years," 18 May 2018
The Rangers, a franchise in the middle of a miserable season and a rebuilding effort, might not have much use or space for an aging part-timer.

— mike finger, San Antonio Express-News, "Once an SA phenom, Adrian Beltre enters his twilight," 16 May 2018
Another way to keep your home safe is to install timers on your lights and schedule lawn care so your home does not look vacant.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "Tips for keeping your home safe while you're on vacation," 12 May 2018
Long-timers know that hot and humid usually also means a thunderstorm risk.

— ian livingston, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Hot and humid with a storm threat late, then cooler behind a front Sunday," 12 May 2018
Digital and programmable thermostats also have a built-in safety timer, meaning when the air conditioner system shuts off, it is not allowed to start back up for at least five minutes.

— brian sodoma, azcentral, "Air Conditioner Shopping? Understand the importance of SEER ratings, programmable thermostats," 11 May 2018
Jurjis said the city tries to work with tenants who have fallen behind on rent, especially long-timers, and this is the first time in his seven years with Newport Beach that he's seen the city take the last resort of eviction.

— hillary davis, latimes.com, "Newport trying to collect $30,000 in back rent from tenant of city-owned apartment," 4 May 2018
Mike Dunne Rancho Victoria Vineyard Pedigree: Old-timers in Plymouth know the rolling rangeland now occupied by Rancho Victoria Vineyard as the Greilich Ranch.

— mike dunne, sacbee, "Let's take drive: Three wineries worth a visit in Amador County | The Sacramento Bee," 2 May 2018
The Levy proposal would, of course, engage many current nonworkers or part-timers into full-time work.

— matthew yglesias, Vox, "Why politicians should promise every American a job," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'timer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of timer

1841

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

timer Synonyms

Synonyms

chronometer, clock, timekeeper, timepiece;

hourglass, sandglass, sundial, water clock;

chronograph, stopwatch, watch;

TIMER Defined for English Language Learners

timer

noun

Definition of timer for English Language Learners

: a special watch that is used to measure the amount of time that is taken to finish a race, a test, etc.; also : a person who uses such a watch to time someone or something
: a device that makes a sound when a certain amount of time has passed
: a device that can be set to turn something (such as a light) on or off at a certain time