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 The page is adorned with a large countdown clock — with a timer going down to the second — to get listeners excited. Ariel Shapiro, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2024 Be sure to read the instructions that come with your test and set a timer for the amount of time listed for the most precise results. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 They can even be programmed to work on timers so that your home can be fully automated. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 Killings are reportedly down from the 81 reported over the same timer period in 2023. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Feb. 2024 Everything needs to be done through the Hue app, which allows the user to change colors on the light, schedule a timer, adjust voice commands, and connect to other accessories. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024 With musical timers and colorful lights these cute watches can make the process more fun. Casey Clark, Parents, 9 Feb. 2024 While the game is in play, though, Curiel is crouching down, hopping out of the way of other photographers and setting timers on her camera. Nicole Pajer, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2024 Taking One for the Team Yes, Lord help us, kitchen timers. Andrew Williams, WIRED, 4 Feb. 2024

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

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timer was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near timer

Cite this Entry

“Timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timer. Accessed 29 Mar. 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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