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 any major new construction projects in the UAE which rely on freight arriving by sea depends on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Whatever the timing, Hoopes doesn’t hedge on what the purchase amounts to. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Then choose the proper timing for the best results and the least toxic product for control. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

While the exact timing and intensity of the impacts are still uncertain and will ultimately depend on how close Lala tracks to the Hawaiian islands, heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf impacts are likely this weekend. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 14 Aug. 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