timing

1 of 2

noun

tim·​ing ˈtī-miŋ 

1

a

: placement or occurrence in time

the timing of the sale couldn't have been better

b

: the ability to select the precise moment for doing something for optimum effect

a boxer with impeccable timing

2

: observation and recording (as by a stopwatch) of the elapsed time of an act, action, or process

timing

2 of 2

present participle of time entry 2

Examples of timing in a Sentence

Noun

The timing of the sale could not have been better.

Her timing was a little off and she missed the shot.

an athlete with impeccable timing

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

According to a Charleston press release, Darren Clarke, head of collections and research at Charleston, believes the discrepancy in timing may be explained by Grant’s practice in later life of retrospectively dating works. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Nov. 2026

Throughout the adventure, Sharpson and Santat deliver literary quips and visual gags with perfect comic timing. — Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

Amazing wrestler, but his personality and his comedic timing and his charisma is massively underrated. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Addressing current risks Experts have warned of the possibility of major quakes in the coming decades and, although their specific timing and locations cannot be predicted, officials want people to be prepared. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing timing

• timing belt
• timing chain

Rhymes for timing

• chiming
• climbing
• liming
• priming
• rhyming

Kids Definition

timing

noun

tim·​ing

ˈtī-miŋ

1

: selection for best effect of the exact moment for beginning or doing something

2

: observation and recording (as by a stopwatch) of the time taken by something