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

The timer sounds an alarm, but Lestat isn’t done with life yet. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Most can be set to activate on a timer, and some are even capable of self-emptying their collection bins and automatically recharging themselves. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

To avoid this, consider turning off outdoor lights after dark or put outdoor lighting on a timer and use blackout shades or curtains in your home. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Put the switch in its highest position, and the Busy Bar runs a standard work/break sprint timer, á la the Pomodoro Technique. — Jill Duffy, PC Magazine, 17 July 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