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

This is partly due to Lester’s humorous and tender performance, nailing the comedic timing and physicality, as well as the earnest sincerity. —Courtney Howard, Variety, 3 May 2024

In light of all those phone calls and their timing, lawmakers were skeptical enough of her denials of knowing about the payments that the chairman at the time, Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., sent a letter July 18, 2019, asking Hicks to clarify her testimony. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing timing

• timing belt
• timing chain

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