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

• 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

Sandals Resorts has invested heavily in turning the Caribbean into a pickleball haven, with high-quality courts, pro-grade gear, and on-site instructors ready to guide first-timers. —AFAR Media, 27 Sep. 2025

For extra convenience, there are 10 power settings, a clock and kitchen timer, and a 30-second express cooking function. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025

Setting a timer to remind you to move every 30 minutes can help break up long periods of sitting or standing, empowering you to take control of your health. —Jack McNamara, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

That leaves Maria to take matters into her own hands when the boy’s latest outburst lands meek would-be teacher’s pet Pauline (Nia Brown, another gifted first-timer) with a broken arm. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Sep. 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

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