A thermometer for measuring the temperature of a living being comprises a housing having a hollow probe extending outwardly therefrom in a distal direction and a temperature sensing element located at the distal end of the probe. The housing holds a digital display and electrical means in electrical communication with the temperature sensing element for converting the temperature measured by the temperature sensing element into a readout on the display element. A resilient soft cover covers the probe and a portion of the housing to form a gripping surface for the user while allowing visualization of the display element. The resilient cover is softer than the probe.