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

While the timing of a Belair vs. Ripley rivalry isn’t ideal given Belair’s ongoing storyline with Naomi and Cargill, Belair vs. Ripley is arguably the biggest possible match WWE could do in the women’s division right now. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

None of the back-and-forth over timing erases the fact that Crowley has a steep uphill climb to get her job back. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025

The timing of this report, coupled with Black's social media activity, has created a sense of anticipation within the wrestling world. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Adding Nichushkin was either the perfect elixir, great timing teaming up with them on the upswing, or a little of both. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 27 Feb. 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