timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the past, foresters worked only on long timescales. Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025 With longer timescales comes more complexity: more collisions take place, and the whole history of a particle’s interactions might bear on its current behavior. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025 These programs trace galaxy behavior over immense timescales—plenty long enough for their spiral arms to rotate and potentially impact their surroundings, both seen and unseen. Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 But while collagen is hardy and generally less susceptible to degradation over long timescales than DNA, Australia’s harsh environment has nevertheless made finding usable samples difficult. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for timescale

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timescale was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

timescale

noun
time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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