egg timer

American  

noun

1. a small hourglass or clock device running about three to five minutes, used to time the boiling of an egg.

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egg timer British  

noun

1. a device, typically a miniature hourglass, for timing the boiling of an egg

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Etymology

Origin of egg timer

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Again, the egg timer really works only in a single direction.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

At nearly 11 inches in height, the bejeweled object might be mistaken for a flamboyant kitchen egg timer.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

The Lib Dem leader used a fake egg timer to suggest time was running out for the PM as he claimed voters were turning to his party.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2024

You’ve got one of Amazon’s Echo smart speakers set up and it’s super handy for playing music, checking the weather, setting an egg timer — all hands-free.

From The Verge • Oct. 27, 2021

His refrigerator was covered with magnets shaped like states, and he had an egg timer that looked like a chicken.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell