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

• chronometer
• clock
• timekeeper
• timepiece

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

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing timer

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

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