timing

noun

tim·​ing ˈtī-miŋ How to pronounce timing (audio)
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 The tour’s timing is auspicious, coming just over a year after the sudden, tragic death of Jo Mersa Marley, Stephen’s firstborn son. Reshma B, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2024 For the first time this season, the Charlotte 49ers have dropped three games in a row — and coming on the first weekend of March, the timing couldn’t be much worse. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2024 This resulted in a mismatch in timing in almost every single lake. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 The timing of the news was thoughtful as March 1 is St. David’s Day, the feast day celebrating Wales' patron saint. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 That timing, however, might complicate any efforts by the Justice Department to hold the federal election obstruction trial in Washington in the late summer or fall. Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 The practical effect of the Court’s deliberation on the timing of the case is also being exaggerated. The Editors, National Review, 1 Mar. 2024 Don’t forget to turn on the timezone display to get the location-specific timings. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The timing of these offers and early conversations about new shows, producing films, and more can’t be coincidental. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'timing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of timing was circa 1659

Dictionary Entries Near timing

Cite this Entry

“Timing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timing. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on timing

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