timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl 

: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the relative or absolute duration or antiquity of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time

Examples of timescale in a Sentence

When considered on the 4.6 billion year timescale of the Earth, our lives can seem insignificant.

What is the timescale for completion of the work?

Recent Examples on the Web

Recently, neuroscientists described a new form of neuroplasticity that might be helping the brain learn across a timescale of several seconds — long enough to capture the behavioral process of learning from a single experience. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026

No timescale has yet been set for the France striker, who could be sidelined until 2027. —James Pearce, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026

This planetary system is going through changes Changes to planetary systems and shifting orbits aren't unique to TOI-201, but these transformations usually occur on timescales of millions and even billions of years. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Iran has not publicly confirmed that timescale. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for timescale

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

Kids Definition

timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl 

: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time