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

Guest ages ranged widely (there were even some people in their late 80s), diets ranged vastly, and while there were repeat visitors, many of us were first-timers who found community with each other. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

In the top-right corner, a red timer counts down the seconds until the market becomes resolved, at which case the line graph freezes and the next five-minute segment opens for business. —Joe Wilkins Published Mar 18, Futurism, 18 Mar. 2026

The app even includes small tools to keep you focused, like a screen locker and sleep timer, so learning fits naturally into your day. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026

First-timers, however, should make sure to reserve tickets to the Georgia Aquarium (one of the largest aquariums in the United States), have a meal at Ponce City Market, and check out a Braves game at Truist Park. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 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