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

Wardlaw will be committed for up to 90 days, and if he isn’t found competent within that time frame, the treatment could be extended. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026

The last time Clemson signed even a top-ten class was in 2022, and there have been a few ranked outside the top-20 in that time frame. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

That time frame, though, spans 130 days this year, compared with 123 days in 2013. — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

That’s because Colorado allows the manufacturer to retest the marijuana, and the rules don’t specify a time frame for when those tests have to be done. — Christopher Osher, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 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