thermometer

noun

ther·​mom·​e·​ter thər-ˈmä-mə-tər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
thə-ˈmä-mə-tər
plural thermometers
: an instrument for determining temperature
specifically : one consisting of a sensor housed in a metal probe that registers a change in electrical resistance as a change in temperature
thermometric adjective
thermometrically adverb

Examples of thermometer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No probe thermometer was there to measure the fried eggs, sliced ham and cheese in the processing area. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025 There are also other tools of the trade that Silverman has curated — cutting boards and ceramics from local makers, Thermapen meat thermometers and whetstones of various grits. Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 Those other fitness gadgets the Amazfit Bip 6 can connect to include bike power meters, cadence and speedometers, plus heart rate readers and thermometers. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Tips From The Southern Living Test Kitchen Use an instant-read thermometer to feel confident that your chops are cooked. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thermometer

Word History

Etymology

French thermomètre, from Greek thermē heat + French -o- + -mètre -meter — more at therm

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermometer was in 1633

Cite this Entry

“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring temperature
thermometric adjective

Medical Definition

thermometer

noun
ther·​mom·​e·​ter thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər How to pronounce thermometer (audio)
: an instrument for determining temperature that usually consists either of a device providing a digital readout or of a glass bulb attached to a fine tube of glass with a numbered scale and containing a liquid (as mercury or colored alcohol) that is sealed in and rises and falls with changes of temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on thermometer

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