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

Some 2,489 of those households were first-timers, or about 36% of households served. — Steve Lord, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026

Just plug it in, choose your essential oil fragrance and select your timer setting. — ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

Unlike repeat buyers, first-timers don’t have equity from a home sale to put toward their next purchase. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026

Through the app, customers can adjust heat settings, monitor battery levels, set timers and review garment usage. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 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