Definition

1. Noun:
   • A measuring instrument or device for keeping time: A timekeeper is a mechanism or tool designed to measure and record the passage of time accurately.
   • A clerk who keeps track of the hours worked by employees: A timekeeper is an administrative worker responsible for recording the attendance and working hours of staff.
   • (Sports) An official who keeps track of the time elapsed: In athletic competitions, a timekeeper is a person who officially measures and records the duration of an event or the intervals within it.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Device):
  • The old grandfather clock was a reliable timekeeper.
  • Modern smartphones have replaced many traditional timekeepers.
• Noun (Clerk):
  • Please report your overtime hours to the timekeeper.
  • The factory timekeeper maintains the payroll records.
• Noun (Sports Official):
  • The timekeeper signaled the end of the first period.
  • A good timekeeper is essential for a fair swimming race.

Advanced Usage

• "to act as timekeeper": To perform the role of recording time.
  • She volunteered to act as timekeeper for the debate.
• "human timekeeper": Emphasizing a person performing the role, often in contrast to an automated device.
  • Despite digital systems, a human timekeeper is still used as a backup.

Variants and Related Words

• Timekeeping (n): The action or process of measuring or recording time.
  • Accurate timekeeping is crucial for the experiment.
• Timepiece (n): A more general term for a device that shows the time, such as a watch or clock. (Note: This is a related word, not a direct variant of "timekeeper").
  • He collected antique timepieces.

Synonyms

• Chronometer: A precise timekeeping device (for the instrument sense).
• Recorder: A person who keeps records (for the clerk sense).
• Timer: An official or device that measures intervals of time (for the sports sense).

Related Phrases

• Keep time: To function as a time-measuring device or to maintain a steady rhythm.
  • This watch keeps perfect time.
  • The drummer kept time for the band.

Idioms

• (As) regular as a timekeeper: Extremely punctual or consistent.
  • He arrives for work, regular as a timekeeper, at 8 AM every day.

Noun

1. a measuring instrument or device for keeping time
2. a clerk who keeps track of the hours worked by employees
3. (sports) an official who keeps track of the time elapsed