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

That, plus the mid-May timing, meant that there were only a few hundred kids onboard—something of a rarity for the TK-cabin ship that can accommodate upwards of TK passengers. —Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025

The timing and types of allergens depend on the local climate and the plants that grow there, so your allergy triggers can change throughout the year. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025

So, in lasting relationships, honesty is shaped by tone, timing and care. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

The Times verified the location and timing of the video, which was taken in the southern city of Rafah early on March 23. —Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

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