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

Landman Besides the sheer sorrowful swagger and script quality of Landman, timing has proved almost everything for the Billy Bob Thornton star vehicle from Taylor Sheridan. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Dec. 2024

Also, 5 sets at the majors for men is ridiculous, especially with the overload of tournaments, timing, late night schedules, and travel. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

The cosmos are on your side, just rest assured that timing has a significant impact in addition to where your sign aligns in the universe. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Dec. 2024

But the timing of the Stewart albums, which began rolling out early in the 2000s, was the key. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1647, 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