timer

/ˈtaɪmɚ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: timers

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Agent noun of time: someone or something that times. — A device used to measure amounts of time.

Noun

Examples

start the timer when you hear the gunshot

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Agent noun of time: someone or something that times. — Any electronic function that causes a device to be able to do something automatically after a preset amount of time.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

One who has done something a certain number of times.

Noun

Examples

third-timer

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

One characterized by a certain time or time frame, such as their work hours.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “timer” mean?

Agent noun of time: someone or something that times. — A device used to measure amounts of time.

Is “timer” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.