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 works well for the Yankees, who will face a trio of tough right-handers in Jack Leiter, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi in Arlington against the Texas Rangers beginning Monday. —Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

But the timing of the April 16 appointments — just four days before the candidate qualifying period began on April 20 — is what triggered the cancellation of the two county court elections. —Norine Dworkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

While the complaints often get filed well ahead of any criminal case disposition, the timing can dovetail, as professional discipline cases often proceed even more slowly than criminal justice cases. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

This story has been updated to reflect changes to ticket sale timing from Ticketmaster. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 27 Apr. 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