timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl 

: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the relative or absolute duration or antiquity of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time

Examples of timescale in a Sentence

When considered on the 4.6 billion year timescale of the Earth, our lives can seem insignificant.

What is the timescale for completion of the work?

Recent Examples on the Web

Flickering that might have taken place on timescales of days when the light left this quasar was redshifted to months by the time this light reached us. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 2026

But science often works on timescales far beyond human patience. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026

Its biology will not translate into a therapy on any near-term timescale. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Retention is the only intervention that operates on the timescale of the patients who need it. —Frances Mei Hardin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for timescale

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

Kids Definition

timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl 

: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time