watchdog timer

noun

An electronic or software timer used to detect and recover from computer malfunctions by generating a timeout signal if it is not periodically reset by the system.

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Meanings

nounwatchdog timer (plural watchdog timers)

plural watchdog timers

  1. computer hardwareAn electronic or software timer used to detect and recover from computer malfunctions by generating a timeout signal if it is not periodically reset by the system.
Cite this entry
APA

watchdog timer. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/watchdog%20timer

MLA

“watchdog timer.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/watchdog%20timer. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “watchdog timer,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/watchdog%20timer.

Source: watchdog timer on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.