thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thər-ˈmä-mə-tər 
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
Examples of thermometer in a Sentence
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Roast for a total of about twelve minutes a pound, until a thermometer inserted into the thigh, next to the body of the turkey, reads 150° to 160°.
—
Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
Reheating Leftovers Heat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (use a food thermometer for accuracy) and stir thoroughly to ensure even heating.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Thanksgivings in 2017, 2014 and 1950 sweltered with an 87-degree high, and in 1911 thermometers dropped to 30 degrees.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025
Hotel employees did not demonstrate knowledge of proper holding temperatures, thermometer and sanitizer test strip use.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
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Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
Reheating Leftovers Heat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (use a food thermometer for accuracy) and stir thoroughly to ensure even heating.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Thanksgivings in 2017, 2014 and 1950 sweltered with an 87-degree high, and in 1911 thermometers dropped to 30 degrees.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 21 Nov. 2025
Hotel employees did not demonstrate knowledge of proper holding temperatures, thermometer and sanitizer test strip use.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thermometer
Cite this Entry
“Thermometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermometer. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
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Medical Definition
thermometer
noun
ther·mom·e·ter
thə(r)-ˈmäm-ət-ər
: 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
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