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.
The market’s employees lacked knowledge on correct reheating temperature for hot holding potentially hazardous foods, thermometer calibration and chlorine test strip testing method. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado january 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The state’s agriculture and tourism industries could take a hit as the thermometer goes down this weekend across the state. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 Grossman said the patient can take their own vitals with a blood-pressure machine, thermometer, pulse monitor and a scale. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026 What to set your thermostat to in winter The Department of Energy's recommendation is to set your thermometer to 68 degrees during the winter. Iris Seaton, The Providence Journal, 23 Jan. 2026 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 1 Feb. 2026.

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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