timing

1 of 2

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

timing

2 of 2

present participle of time entry 2

Examples of timing in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Still, Stutzman noted the timing of Democrats’ concern over the surveillance technology, with less than 30 days till the November elections where Republicans’ slim House majority is on the line. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026

The 168-year-old magazine’s breakout journalism, its digital success, and a bit of good timing have given both Goldberg and Thompson plenty to brag about on the media podcast circuit. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Evidence might include the underlying need, capability fit, timing, accessibility, ability to deliver and risks or constraints that could prevent action. — Adam Feiner, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The group didn’t provide guidance for fiscal 2027, citing uncertainty around its takeover offers and the scale and timing of future investments. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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