timing

noun tim·ing \ ˈtī-miŋ \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

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

Quinn’s book, though 20 years old, is full of timeless advice on hosting – from pre-party anxiety to timing, seating and flowers.

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Famous dinner party gaffes and a colorful Earth Day menu," 21 Apr. 2018
The timing of the project on M-1 (Woodward Avenue), formerly called Hunter Blvd. to distinguish it from Old Woodward, is just an unfortunate coincidence, said a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

— bill laitner, Detroit Free Press, "Birmingham's costly roadwork blocks drivers, welcomes shoppers, diners," 19 Apr. 2018
Not the physical experience, but the lived reality, the timing, the way it was supposed to fit between other things.

— meaghan o'connell, Longreads, "A Certain Kind of Mammal," 10 Apr. 2018
That’s bad timing for a company churning through about $6,500 a minute and trying to stave off the need for another capital raise.

— brian eckhouse, Bloomberg.com, "Tesla Has a Problem, and It’s Not the Model 3," 6 Apr. 2018
The timing, in this climate right now, makes a strong statement for women.

— alexandra ilyashov, Glamour, "Stella McCartney Is Taking Back Her Brand, and It Makes a Strong Statement," 2 Apr. 2018
The timing of this brouhaha — not just in the liturgical calendar, but for Americans, in an era of 24/7 preoccupation with the heathen in the White House — has obviously been noticed by the faithful: LMAO.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Did Pope Francis Abolish Hell?," 30 Mar. 2018
Knowing the resurrection occurred on a Sunday during Passover, officials during the first centuries of the church debated Easter’s timing since Passover’s dates change each year.

— scott craven, azcentral, "Why Easter and Passover are observed on different dates each year," 28 Mar. 2018
But the timing of the payment – 11 days before the election – raises red flags as a possible violation of federal campaign law.

— CBS News, "Could Trump's attorney face criminal charges for Stormy Daniels payment?," 27 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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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

Recent Examples of timing from the Web

First Known Use of timing

TIMING Defined for English Language Learners

timing

Definition of timing for English Language Learners

TIMING Defined for Kids

timing

Definition of timing for Students

Learn More about timing

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Definition of timing

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timing

Definition of timing for English Language Learners

TIMING Defined for Kids

timing

Definition of timing for Students

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