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

As the Moon moves into Capricorn and your 10th House of Career, your focus shifts toward results, timing, and what actually moves things ahead. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026

Across from it, Venus in your 3rd House of Communication can complicate conversations or timing in small but important ways. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026

The timing is critical, as the food bank provides support to 11 local counties. —Megan Shinn, CBS News, 4 May 2026

These tools can make a real difference when timing is critical and the stakes are high. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 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