timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
: one that times: such as
a
: timepiece
especially : a stopwatch for timing races
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

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
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.
Choose from eight lighting modes—including twinkle, slow fade, steady glow, or flash—and even set an automatic shut-off timer. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025 Once your timer goes off, leave the oven door closed and set a new timer for 45 minutes. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025 The half-day Learn to Turn package, designed to build on what was learned in first-timer lessons, costs $134 for skiers, $144 for snowboarders. John Meyer, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025 This one can literally fit in your pocket, has 15 looping sounds, can be set to a timer and is rechargeable for on-the-go zen. Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for timer

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timer was in 1648

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timer. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

timer

noun
tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on timer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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