time frame

noun

variants or less commonly timeframe

ˈtīm-ˌfrām 

: a period of time especially with respect to some action or project

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time frame or timeframe?

Should time frame be written as one word or two? At present, it is most commonly styled as two words with no hyphen in between.

Compounds, or “words consisting of components that are words,” come in three varieties: open (two words with a space between them, such as lima bean), hyphenated (two words with a hyphen between them, such as runner-up), and closed (one word, such as rowboat). In some cases, competing compound stylings appear in different publications. This is generally acceptable as long as the spelling remains consistent throughout a book or periodical.

Compounds have a tendency to move from open to closed as time goes by, and our evidence suggests that time frame is headed in this direction. At this point, however, the open compound is far more prevalent.

Examples of time frame in a Sentence

They were not able to finish the project within the established time frame.

Recent Examples on the Web

First off, the awards should take place during the Emmys Phase 1 time frame to take advantage of the campaigning — and available talent — occurring during those months. —Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 June 2026

The Camp Mystic flooding, which killed 27 campers and counselors, also occurred during this time frame. —Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 17 June 2026

The Jets’ haul in that same eight-year time frame? —Murat Ates, New York Times, 17 June 2026

But with the time frame being spread out over 17 years, changes in material and labor costs — in addition to length of service, depth surface restoration, and utility conflicts — make specific numbers harder to pin down. —Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for time frame

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame