timer

noun

tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
Synonyms of timernext
: 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 of timer

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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.
Photographers should remember to bring a tripod and remote timer when trying to capture images of the lights, as all cameras need to be held still for long periods of time to capture the aurora in the dark night sky. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Drain the corn into a large colander set in the sink when the timer goes off. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026 One first-timer is Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester, a Boston neighborhood. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Aug. 2026 By precisely controlling a timer, the researchers caused the processor to handle an interrupt inside the vulnerable window. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing timer

Rhymes for timer

See All Rhymes for timer

Browse Nearby Words

timepleaser
timer
time rating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

timer

noun
tim·​er ˈtī-mər How to pronounce timer (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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