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
Because for a few weeks, his timing and mechanics were a bit out of whack. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The supplier problem Morgan Stanley’s downside case is a timing problem. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 Therein lies part of the issue, according to Asphaug, who says this timing could have significant implications for models of the Theia impact. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Data teams look at the timings of when houses were sprayed and which ones reported cases of malaria, then analyze how best to prevent future infections. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

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