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

That will no doubt all change, of course, when the tournament kicks off at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca as the focus shifts back onto the field and 48 countries — including unfancied first-timers Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan — vie for the still-gleaming Jules Rimet. —Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 10 June 2026

Tuscookany is one of the most accessible cooking school vacation in Italy for first-timers, offering both three-day and seven-night options across four Tuscan villas in Bellorcia, Bellancino, Casa Ombuto and Torre del Tartufo. —Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

The best cooking school vacations for beginners are programs that explicitly welcome first-timers and structure their curricula around foundational technique rather than advanced skills. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

For first-timers, Pekar recommends tapping around your eyes, lifting your jawline, and, most importantly, taking your time. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 June 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