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

Sheeraz is also adept at timing; if his foe offers a slight opening, Sheeraz can exploit it and land a powerful strike. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Facing a career-defining ultimatum, Smart balances biting humor with quiet devastation in a farewell monologue that showcases her unrivaled command of tone and timing. —H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

Kline found the link between sleep-onset timing and next-day moderate to vigorous activity especially notable. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 10 July 2025

Some scientists predict that if Earth's rotation continues to speed up by just a few more milliseconds each year, a negative leap second might be needed around 2029, according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, though the exact timing depends on future measurements. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 July 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