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.
Simply glancing at a thermometer may not show how unpleasant conditions are, however; this heat wave is being particularly influenced by high humidity that is keeping overnight temperatures relatively warm, offering people little respite. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 23 July 2025 Yet, unlike regular ovens, this model has a digital infrared thermometer to gauge the temperature of the pizza stone. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2025 Cook, turning twice, until deep golden brown and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 165°F, 12 to 15 minutes for thighs and 15 to 18 minutes for breasts. Jessica B. Harris, Southern Living, 7 July 2025 Lack of accurate thermometers in all refrigeration/freezer units storing TCS food. Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 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 29 Jul. 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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