timing

1 of 2

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There would then be someone on the timing stand or in the electronics booth whose only job is to monitor the driver’s data, the way an engineer monitors a car, making calls that serve both driver performance and safety. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 The court also said any problems caused by the timing of the ruling is the fault of the secretary of state, who waited eight months before making a decision on the ballot initiative. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 There isn’t one hiring season The timing also depends heavily on the kind of job someone is looking for. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026 The timing is particularly significant for Finland as its first F-35As are due to arrive just as the country’s domestic F135 engine capability moves from preparation into production. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of timing was in 1647

Phrases Containing timing

Rhymes for timing

See All Rhymes for timing

Browse Nearby Words

timidness
timing
timing belt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timing. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about timing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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