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 of timer

• 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

The physical challenge of racing at the top level can be shock to first-timers. —James Ellingworth, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

That means following meal prep tutorials, checking timers, reviewing shopping lists, or confirming the family meal plan without juggling a phone on the counter. —William Jones, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Below the circles are more customizable shortcuts that default to features like a timer and a calendar. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026

Volunteers range in age from 18 to older than 80, students to retirees, first-timers to newbies. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

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