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

An hourglass, an egg timer, a “talking stick” — whatever you think you can integrate the least awkwardly into your group conversation, to regulate when and how long someone has the floor.

From Washington Post

“I set a little egg timer in my brain six months ago for August,” Mr. Vanaman said.

From New York Times

The conventions, which used to choose the presidential nominees, have long been drained of just about any suspense or drama, becoming four-day political advertisements with all the spontaneity of an egg timer.

From Los Angeles Times

It offers recipes and functions as an egg timer that can keep track of multiple timelines.

From Washington Post

When the egg timer goes off, immediately drain the eggs and transfer them to the ice water.

From Los Angeles Times