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 an address right in the heart of Paris, this place is ideal for first-timers who want to see as much as possible, or art lovers who are in town specifically to see the Louvre. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

The bread machine works on a timer and hums along at its regular pace. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026

To prevent jostling your device when hitting the shutter, use a smartwatch shutter button app or set a timer to take the photo. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Once the timer starts, rise to a full standing position with straight knees and hips before sitting back down again. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 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