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

Set a timer for five to ten minutes and quickly tackle high-traffic areas. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025

In Avnet and Sellier’s studies, at least, clock-timers were more likely to believe that events are steered by fate, not by intention. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025

Use a timer to shut off exterior lights and avoid wasting energy in the mornings. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

With less than 1,000 feet of vertical, the mountain still boasts 13 modern lifts and 60 runs with terrain for everyone from first-timers to the most technical skiers and riders. —Ally Jaksen, Outside, 18 Dec. 2025

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