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

Although intelligence agencies were right about Russia’s intention to invade Ukraine—even getting the timing right—such high accuracy is not the norm. —David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

But the researchers behind this new report wanted to further explore this idea, specifically learning more about how the timing of a workout might affect people’s health in the long term.1 The team relied on data from 29,836 people enrolled in the U.K. Biobank database. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 23 Apr. 2024

But climate change is throwing off the timing of those events. —Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

The forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2024

The timing of the arrival of the pandas has not been announced. —USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024

The timing of the arrest led to criticism that Jarecki, his producers and HBO had delayed sharing incriminating discoveries with law enforcement officials for the sake of the series and ratings. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Apr. 2024

Interestingly, the timing neatly overlaps with when interest rates skyrocketed in response to high inflation, which drove down deal-making across other industries. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 20 Apr. 2024

Analysts at major Wall Street banks have recently pushed back their estimates on the timing of the first rate cut. —Bryan Mena, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing timing

• timing belt
• timing chain

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