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

With every lightning strike within eight miles, a 30-minute timer reset. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 2025

Below the clock’s face, however, there’s both a thermostat and a 60-minute timer to help ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

Use a cooking timer or clock alarm to make sure to pack away leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth that can cause illness. —Jonel Aleccia, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025

For first-timers, Aphaivongs-Harrod suggests the pad see ew, a sweet soy noodle stir-fry. —Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025

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