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

Why timing of hormone therapy matters The theory of a critical window to initiate hormone replacement therapy may be related to estrogen receptors in the brain, said Mosconi. —Akshay Syal, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025

Artificial intelligence now gives some the on-board ability to identify targets, look for their weak points and execute an attack, all with split-second timing. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025

The seemingly indifferent shih tzu lies motionless beneath the impromptu throne, while a retro synth instrumental soundtrack underscores the awkward timing of the moment. —MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

While your timing rarely needs to be perfect, the eating is better when the timing is close. —New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2025

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