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

The Pisces Moon trine Jupiter favors agreements, good timing, and ideas that travel well when spoken plainly. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026

Taurus April 20 – May 20 A quiet hunch about money or timing could turn out unusually profitable today. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 May 2026

Upwelling is a natural process, but climate change can alter its timing and intensity. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

Much of the disagreement between the two sides came down to timing. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 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