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 interview—just a few days before Holy Week, when Christians like Nancy and Savannah Guthrie, year after year, stage a harrowing reënactment of an unjust, torturous death—wasn’t lost on anyone. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026

Lurie’s steadfast backing of Hurts is notable given its timing. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026

The timing is particularly fortunate as Brazil’s next sugarcane harvest, beginning in the first half of April, is expected to produce a record 30 billion liters of ethanol — 4 billion more than last year. —ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026

The best use of a financial adviser to help with investments is not in stock picking or market timing — but in deciding what percentage of your assets should be invested in stocks. —Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 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