thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thər-ˈmä-mə-tər 
thə-ˈmä-mə-tər
plural thermometers
: an instrument for determining temperature
specifically
: one consisting of a sensor housed in a metal probe that registers a change in electrical resistance as a change in temperature
Examples of thermometer in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By Sunday, the thermometer in the hottest places is not expected to get much higher than the low 80s.
—
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Meanwhile, grill steak until a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 125 degrees for medium-rare, about 3 minutes per side.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Likewise with special [infrared] thermometers that avoid physical contact [because the virus spreads through contact with fluids].
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026
It was planted in good time, but mother nature decided to give the Scot’s thermometer a shake.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Meanwhile, grill steak until a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 125 degrees for medium-rare, about 3 minutes per side.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Likewise with special [infrared] thermometers that avoid physical contact [because the virus spreads through contact with fluids].
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026
It was planted in good time, but mother nature decided to give the Scot’s thermometer a shake.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
Cite this Entry
“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər
: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
