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

Early the next day, Gonzales defended himself and questioned the timing of Herrera’s post ahead of the primary. —Connor Greene, Time, 4 Mar. 2026

Take a look at how divorce, family timing and size, adoption, and LGBTQ+ families are creating a new norm. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors What applies to the hardening off process is also true for the timing of planting seedlings—earlier last frost means earlier transplanting, and vice versa. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

The timing of OpenAI’s deal with the Defense Department prompted online backlash, with many users reportedly ditching ChatGPT for Claude on app stores. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 3 Mar. 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