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

Strategic training and long-term transition plans The timing of this contract aligns with broader Navy efforts to sustain and eventually transition the E-6B fleet to its next generation. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

Workout timing matters less than consistency; choose the time that fits your schedule to sustain regular exercise. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 9 Jan. 2026

His timing may have been influenced by the string of divorces his three siblings went through ahead of his engagement. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

Both species sleep for about one-third of the day, irrespective of the timing of daily sleep. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026

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