timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Complex questions remain about how much organic carbon weathering eats into our carbon budget, and over what timescales. Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 That timescale would have placed him in contention to be involved in Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s game against Haiti, but he is now set to miss that game, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) told The Athletic. Colin Millar, New York Times, 18 June 2026 Thinking about that really, really influenced my approach to these pieces in terms of trying to collapse in each piece the timescales of historical influences and contemporary identity, but also the locality. Stephanie Shih june 17, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 Methane traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over shorter timescales. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timescale

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timescale was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

timescale

noun
time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time
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