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

• 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

Two timers are increasing, Avalon to 35 minutes and Presage to 20 minutes. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

For decades, home cooks have been bound to outdated methods, including arduous timers, checking recipe charts, and leaving precision to guesswork. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Once the timer beeps, leave the door closed for another minute so the steam can do its work. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

Best Amazon Home Deals There are so many great finds in the general home category, like this pretty faux bouquet that’s perfect for fall and this dimmable candle warmer that features a timer. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 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