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
ˌthər-mə-ˈme-trik How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
adjective
thermometrically
ˌthər-mə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
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.
Many chefs pull salmon when the thermometer reads about 125 to 130 degrees for medium, knowing carryover cooking will continue after it’s removed from the grill. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026 The thermometer scenario is about whether harvest volatility quietly hardens into harvest decline. — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In the Santa Clara Valley, the thermometer is expected to reach 90 by Friday. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 July 2026 Add steaks; cook, turning once, until a thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 130°F for medium-rare, 4 to 5 minutes per side. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 26 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing thermometer

Rhymes for thermometer

See All Rhymes for thermometer

Browse Nearby Words

thermometamorphism
thermometer
thermometer screen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

thermometer

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

Nglish: Translation of thermometer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thermometer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All