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

Creature comforts such as the timer, Wi-Fi connectivity, remote and multiple airflow directions make this a luxury product. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

The list includes first-timers Pink, Lauryn Hill, Jeff Buckley, the Wu-Tang Clan, Shakira, Melissa Etheridge, New Edition, Luther Vandross, Phil Collins — who is already a Hall of Famer as part of his band Genesis, but is now being recognized as a soloist — and INXS. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2026

Etheridge is one of 10 first-timers in an eclectic group that includes Mariah Carey, the Black Crowes, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol and Wu-Tang Clan. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026

The top-of-the-line Zina45 Pulse Toothbrush has a unique polishing head, four custom settings and an auto two-minute timer. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 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