timing

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

Examples of timing in a Sentence

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

Senators are expected to grind through the days ahead with procedural vote Saturday to begin considering the legislation, but the timing was uncertain. —Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

Even after the Senate begins consideration of the bill, timing could be fluid. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 28 June 2025

The display will be short-lived, disappearing from view within about 45 minutes as twilight deepens — so good timing is imperative. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

And sometimes, legislators say, the timing on these changing projections is particularly hard to swallow. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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