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

Williams, who has set multiple spaceflight records since joining the agency in 1998, did not give insight into the timing of her retirement in a statement issued by the space agency on Tuesday. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

The plants in this list are quick and easy to start from seed, but if your timing is off, even the most robust, healthy seedling will languish. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

On Wednesday morning, models are coming into better alignment on the track and timing of a possible storm, with some indications that this could be a major snowstorm. —Bill Kelly, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

The timing of floor consideration won't become clear until after the committee markup. —Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Jan. 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