egg timer

noun

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

egg timer

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of egg timer¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

From New York Times

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

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

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

Face worker, a serpentine miner A roof falls, an under-liner Of leaf structure, the egg timer He lies on his side, is he trying to hide?

From Scientific American