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.
Paul loves sensory bubble timers and listening to nursery rhymes, and music is one of his favorite activities. — Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 This one features 10 heat settings, 12 timer settings and a default eight-hour shutoff function. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 July 2026 Just be sure to set a timer or keep your eyes glued to the pan. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026 Corey Heim, a 24-year-old NASCAR Cup Series part-timer, continued his stunning ascent by winning the crown-jewel Brickyard 400. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 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 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on timer

Nglish: Translation of timer for Spanish Speakers

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