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

Manipulating the timing of releases from dams on the western rivers could flood Pakistani farmland during planting seasons, while withholding water during critical irrigation windows could devastate harvests. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 June 2026

From schedules to where to watch, timing, groups, host cities and more, here’s your guide to staying up-to-date with this year’s World Cup. — Joy Burton, NBC news, 22 June 2026

On the same day that their home listing was taken down, Cole took to TikTok to respond to speculation about the timing. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

At the 10–14 day range, forecasters are mostly identifying broad patterns — like whether a region is likely to be hotter, wetter or more unsettled than normal — rather than specific timing of storms or exact high temperatures. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 June 2026

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