TEYE-murz
/ˈtaɪmɚz/
timers is pronounced TEYE-murz (/ˈtaɪmɚz/). Timers is a plural noun referring to devices or people that measure or record time intervals. In everyday use, it often denotes a kitchen timer or a device that triggers after a set duration. It can also describe individuals who time events, but context usually clarifies the meaning.
Timers is a plural noun referring to devices or people that measure or record time intervals. In everyday use, it often denotes a kitchen timer or a device that triggers after a set duration. It can also describe individuals who time events, but context usually clarifies the meaning.
- You’ll often over-reduce the first syllable, making it sound like ‘tem-ers’ instead of ‘tī-merz.’ Focus on sustaining /aɪ/ clearly before easing into the second syllable. - You might omit or under-voice the final /z/, producing a /s/ or a voiceless ending. Practice keeping the vocal cords engaged for a voiced /z/. - Some speakers mix up /ər/ vs /əz/ in the second syllable, especially in non-rhotic accents. Practice ending with /ərz/ or /əz/ depending on your target accent.
"I set three timers for the bake, the cookies, and the pasta."
"The timers in the lab beep when the experiment is finished."
"These timers are more precise than the old stopwatch."
You say TI-mers, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US: /ˈtaɪ.mɚz/; UK: /ˈtaɪ.məz/. The second syllable starts with an unstressed schwa or a reduced vowel followed by the /r/ sound in rhotic accents. If you’re careful, ensure the /aɪ/ diphthong is clear and the final /z/ is voiced. Listen for the slight y-m sound at the start and a soft z at the end.
Common errors: (1) Flattening the /aɪ/ to a short /a/ as in ‘timers’ sounding like ‘tem-ers.’ (2) Dropping the /r/ in non-rhotic accents or converting /ər/ to /ə/ or /ɜː/. (3) Not voicing the final /z/; ending with a voiceless /s/. Correction: keep the diphthong /aɪ/ in the first syllable, pronounce the /ɚ/ or /ə/ in the second syllable with light r-coloring in rhotic accents, and finish with a clear /z/.
US speakers: /ˈtaɪ.mɚz/ with rhotic /ɚ/ and a voiced final /z/. UK/AU: /ˈtaɪ.məz/ with a non-rhotic or reduced /ɜː/ or /ə/ in the second syllable and a slightly shorter, less pronounced r. Rhythm tends to be tighter in US English; UK/AU often show a more reduced second syllable and weaker r. Ensure the first syllable diphthong remains /aɪ/ across accents.
The difficulty lies in the quick transition from the stressed /aɪ/ to a fast, reduced second syllable while maintaining a voiced final /z/. The r-colored vowel in US English and the potential vowel reduction in UK/AU can trip learners: you must keep the /aɪ/ clear, then move to a short, rounded second syllable with precise voicing for /z/.
The key is managing the two-syllable rhythm: strong initial syllable with /aɪ/ followed by a light, quick second syllable that includes a voiced fricative. In careful speech, you might hear a clear /ɚ/ or /əz/ ending. Practicing the exact two-syllable rhythm helps your initial energy and the final sibilant.
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- US: emphasize rhotic r-coloring in the second syllable; ensure /ɚ/ is voiced and clear before /z/. Use a slightly stronger vowel before the /r/ and keep the final /z/ voiced. IPA: /ˈtaɪ.mɚz/. - UK/AU: the second syllable often reduces to a schwa or /ɪ/ with a weaker /r/, producing /ˈtaɪ.məz/. Maintain the /aɪ/ in the first syllable and let the second syllable stay relaxed but audible. IPA: /ˈtaɪ.məz/. - General: keep the first syllable clearly stressed; avoid rushing the second syllable. Slow practice then speed up to natural rhythm.
The word timers derives from time, from Old English tima, which means ‘period, season, or measure of time,’ linked to Germanic roots such as Proto-Germanic tīmō. The suffix -er indicates an agent noun, forming words that denote someone or something that performs an action (timer = one who/takes part in timing). The concept of a device measuring time appears in medieval clocks and later mechanical devices. In modern English, timer as a device used to measure or trigger events became widespread with kitchen timers and laboratory timers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The plural form timers retains the general agent noun pattern, and the term can refer to multiple devices or, informally, people who perform timing tasks. First known uses appear in general English cooking and scientific contexts in the 1800s, with broader popularity in consumer electronics by the mid-20th century.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "timers" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "timers" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "timers"
-ers sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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