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 timing of the revelations, after the Ashes debacle and after the Noosa ‘stag do’, can only add weight to the impression that there is indeed a drinking culture within McCullum’s England that is damaging the team’s and the sport’s reputation. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

The timing of this is late this afternoon through the evening hours. —Ron Smiley, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026

With Vogue Book Club celebrating the upcoming premier of Wuthering Heights, the timing couldn’t feel more right to lean in. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 3 Feb. 2026

Breaking the Wall Street illusion doesn’t require conspiracy theories or perfect timing. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 Feb. 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