timer
Timer (noun) means a device that measures or counts down an amount of time. Example: “She set the timer for ten minutes while the pasta cooked.”
How to use timer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device or feature that tracks or counts down time.
Word forms
timers plural, timers plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She set the _____ for ten minutes while the pasta cooked.
Etymology
Formed from "time" (verb) plus the agent suffix "-er".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for timer
See all rhymes for timer →Frequently asked questions
What does “timer” mean?
The word “timer” means a device that measures or counts down an amount of time. In plain terms, a device or feature that tracks or counts down time.
How do you pronounce “timer”?
“Timer” is pronounced TYM (/ˈtaɪmɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “timer” in a sentence?
Here is “timer” used in a sentence: “She set the timer for ten minutes while the pasta cooked.”
What part of speech is “timer”?
“Timer” is a noun.
Is “timer” a common word?
“Timer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “timer” have?
“Timer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that measures or counts down an amount of time.
What is the difference between a timer and a stopwatch?
A timer typically counts down from a set duration to zero, alerting the user when time is up, while a stopwatch counts up from zero to measure elapsed time. Both track duration, but they're used for opposite purposes: limiting time versus recording it.
What is the difference between a timer and an alarm?
A timer measures a set duration and signals when that period has elapsed, often used for cooking or workouts, while an alarm is set to trigger at a specific clock time, such as waking someone up at 7 a.m. A timer counts down an interval; an alarm waits for a particular moment.
What does it mean for software to have a "timer" function?
In software and electronics, a timer is an automatic function that triggers an action after a set period has passed, such as turning off a screen or executing a scheduled task. This extends the everyday meaning of a countdown device into programming and automation contexts.