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

Harbaugh said the team would reveal details and a time frame in due time after the evaluation is complete. — Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026

The index is also positive just 17% of the time during those time frames. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026

Given the years-long time frames needed for construction projects, the district facilities team doesn’t want to delay upgrading facilities in ways that students immediately would benefit from. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

That said, the more than 200,000 IG followers Sweeney lost in that time frame is a drop in the bucket, representing less than 1% of her more than 25 million followers. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 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