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

• chronometer
• clock
• timekeeper
• timepiece

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

Set a timer and focus on decluttering one drawer, shelf or corner at a time. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Set a timer Set a timer for 10, 15 or 20 minutes and commit to working on one item on your to-do list until the alarm goes off. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025

Some areas require the fireplace pilot light to have a seven day timer to improve energy conservation and reduce environmental impact. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025

Many reviewers with children note that the timer feature is helpful in establishing bedtime routines and say that kids love the wide variety of color options available. —Jamie Ballard, Allure, 16 Jan. 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

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