timing

noun

Definition of timing

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

See timing defined for English-language learners

See timing defined for kids

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 of timing from the Web

However, the timing is probably, as several others have also noted, more linked to the issue that predominates President Trump's mind: the Russia investigation.

— amanda erickson, Washington Post, "What authoritarianism experts think of Trump’s decision to pardon Joe Arpaio," 26 Aug. 2017
But the timing suggested a purposeful snub of Saudi Arabia, which along with three other countries began a punitive boycott of Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and having a too-cozy relationship with Iran.

— declan walsh, New York Times, "Qatar Restores Full Relations With Iran, Deepening Gulf Feud," 24 Aug. 2017
The question now is whether the loss will affect the timing of the general election.

— isabel reynolds, Bloomberg.com, "Abe Tries to Fix His Tarnished Image," 9 Aug. 2017
Maybe, Gale reasoned, the link between higher neuroticism and a lower risk of death was due to an issue of timing.

— cody delistraty, The Cut, "Being Neurotic May Help You Live Longer," 8 Aug. 2017
And a 2013 study found that several species of common European birds adjust the timing of their takeoff to avoid oncoming traffic based on the speed limit of the specific stretch of road.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Traffic," 7 Aug. 2017
Its timing is strategic: the date marks the number of days into the year that black women would have to work to reach pay equality with white men.

— alexa lisitza, Teen Vogue, "Senator Kamala Harris Released a Plan to End the Pay Gap for Black Women," 1 Aug. 2017
Indeed, when questions naturally arose regarding the peculiar timing of Comey’s dismissal, Trump officials pointed out that Rosenstein had just started on the job (he was confirmed less than two weeks before Comey was terminated).

— andrew c. mccarthy, National Review, "Trump Has Himself, Not Sessions, to Blame for the Limitless Mueller Investigation," 22 July 2017
Competitors try to get through a series of complex obstacles with names like Salmon Ladder and Warped Wall that require tremendous strength, agility, balance and timing.

— katy moeller, idahostatesman, "Powered by beef, Idaho’s ‘Cowboy Ninja’ makes a sixth run at $1 million prize," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'timing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of timing

circa 1659

TIMING Defined for English Language Learners

timing

noun

Definition of timing for English Language Learners

: the time when something happens or is done especially when it is thought of as having a good or bad effect on the result
: the ability to choose the best moment for some action, movement, etc.

TIMING Defined for Kids

timing

noun tim·ing \ ˈtī-miŋ \

Definition of timing for Students

:the time when something happens or is done especially when it is thought of as having a good or bad effect on the result

Learn More about timing

Nglish: Translation of timing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of timing for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timing

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timing

Definition of timing

Examples of timing in a Sentence

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TIMING Defined for English Language Learners

timing

Definition of timing for English Language Learners

TIMING Defined for Kids

timing

Definition of timing for Students

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