Definition

A device used to measure and signal the passage of time, often used in cooking or sports to indicate when a specific time has elapsed.

Example

I set the timer for 20 minutes to bake the cake.

Conversation

I just got a new timer for cooking pasta.

Oh nice! Does it have a countdown feature?

Yeah, it counts down from ten minutes, which is perfect.

That sounds really handy, I need to get one like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Timer → The word 'timer' is derived from 'time' (from Old English 'tima', meaning a period or duration) and the suffix '-er' (meaning a person or thing that performs a specified action). A timer is a device or person that measures or indicates a period of time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'time' as the period being measured, and '-er' indicates that it's a device or person doing the measuring. This helps you remember that a timer is something that measures time.

Visually Confused Words