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 Necka personal massager features eight deep-kneading nodes designed to simulate shiatsu finger pressure, along with multiple speed levels, heat settings and an auto shut-off timer. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

When breaking down tasks, a timer can be your best friend. —Laura E. Knouse, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

Light sensors can automatically turn off lights when no one is in a room; plug-in timers, which also run on electricity, can turn on or power down lamps and lighting. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

Hang our favorite dimmable string lights around the ceiling with easy timer settings, or opt for color-changing string lights or solar lights that turn on automatically each evening. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 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