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

Corey Heim, a 24-year-old NASCAR Cup Series part-timer, continued his stunning ascent by winning the crown-jewel Brickyard 400. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Weather shifts quickly at elevation, cell service is spotty in remote areas, and desert and alpine environments carry risks that catch first-timers off guard. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

At the time of inspection, the timer had expired on multiple food items held under time as a public health control. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 24, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

The Vienna’s display is also more comprehensive, with a power output graph, a trip meter, and a ride timer. — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

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