thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thər-ˈmä-mə-tər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
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
thermometric adjective
thermometrically adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to assess the temperature. Essence, 12 Feb. 2025 Save big on baby items, like $100 off a convertible crib with a compatible mattress and an infrared thermometer that will come in handy all year long. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025 Add chicken; cook until light golden brown and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025 Simmons had a staffer hold before the court a display shaped like a thermometer showing that the county has so far spent $400,000 of taxpayer funds on outside legal counsel in the Johnson case. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thermometer

Word History

Etymology

French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermometer was in 1633

Cite this Entry

“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring temperature
thermometric adjective

Medical Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on thermometer

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