noun
Uncommon
timer
TYM
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.”
noun
1
A device that measures or counts down an amount of time.
"She set the timer for ten minutes while the pasta cooked."
2
An automatic function that triggers an action after a set period.
"The oven has a built-in timer that switches it off automatically."
How to use timer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device or feature that tracks or counts down time.
Common pairings
set a timer
kitchen timer
countdown timer
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Word forms
- Plural
- timers
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She set the _____ for ten minutes while the pasta cooked.
Etymology
Formed from "time" (verb) plus the agent suffix "-er".
Related words
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.
