timer

Everyday

1. A timer is a device that measures how much time passes and often rings or beeps when a set time is over, like a kitchen timer. tree →
2. A timer can also turn a machine on or off automatically at a set time. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science lessons, a timer or stopwatch measures how long things take in experiments and races; in class, a sand timer shows how long you have left. In cooking: set the timer for 20 minutes. In everyday life: oven timers, heating timers, game timers. Phrases: set a timer, the timer goes off, sand timer, egg timer.

Examples

• Set the timer for ten minutes. tree →
• The timer beeped, so the cookies were ready. tree →
• We used a timer to see who could run fastest. tree →
• The teacher turned over the sand timer. tree →
• The heating comes on with a timer. tree →
• The egg timer has sand in it. tree →
• When the timer goes off, it is time to tidy up. tree →
• My phone has a timer for brushing my teeth. tree →

Note

Countable. A timer counts down (or up) a time; a clock shows what the time is now. Maths: if the timer is set for 15 minutes at 3:50, it rings at 4:05.