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

First-timers who want to try Grogu Mode but are uncertain of the steps can politely ask for assistance from the Disneyland cast member who should be happy to help. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

Stupidly Clear Especially with extras and first-timers. —Chris Cardillo, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2026

Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and many other retailers have extended their discounts to today, but the countdown timers are ticking. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026

Set a timer, heat your pan, and let chemistry do its thing. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 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