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timing

American  
[tahy-ming] / ˈtaɪ mɪŋ /

noun

  1. Theater.

    1. a synchronizing of the various parts of a production for theatrical effect.

    2. the result or effect thus achieved.

    3. (in acting) the act of adjusting one's tempo of speaking and moving for dramatic effect.

  2. Sports. the control of the speed of a stroke, blow, etc., in order that it may reach its maximum at the proper moment.

  3. the selecting of the best time or speed for doing something in order to achieve the desired or maximum result.

    I went to ask for a raise, but my timing was bad, since the boss had indigestion.

  4. an act or instance of observing and recording the elapsed time of an act, contest, process, etc.


timing British  
/ ˈtaɪmɪŋ /

noun

  1. the process or art of regulating actions or remarks in relation to others to produce the best effect, as in music, the theatre, sport, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What does timing mean? Timing often means the selection of the exact time or speed at which to do something in order to get the desired or best result.One of the meanings of time as a verb is to choose the moment or occasion to do something, as in She timed that pass perfectly. Timing is the noun form of this.Timing is especially relevant in activities like sports and acting. In sports, timing involves actions like moving oneself or the ball at the right moment to gain an advantage or to score. In acting, timing involves choosing when to say a line or the speed at which to say it. Good comedic timing makes things funnier.In general, timing often involves when we choose to do something. Sometimes, though, the timing of something isn’t decided by choice. For example, when an event outside of anyone’s control simply happens at the wrong time, we describe it as bad timing. When a fortunate event happens at the right time, we call it good timing.Another use of the word timing refers to the recording or observation of how long it takes something to be done, especially some kind of contest, as in The official timekeeper is responsible for the timing of the race.Example: My package of replacements arrived right before I ran out of them—it was perfect timing!

Etymology

Origin of timing

1200–50; 1590–1600 timing for def. 4; Middle English: hap, occurrence; time, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Factors like lifestyle, support, mindset and timing all play into how futures post-GLP-1s unfold.

From BBC

That timing let Europa Clipper fill a critical gap, connecting Mars-based observations from late September with later viewing opportunities from Earth.

From Science Daily

The new research adds an important factor that earlier studies did not fully consider: timing.

From Science Daily

Just notice the timing, the pauses, the equipment, the moments when one step quietly sets up the next.

From Salon

The timing worked out well for Sandisk: Data-intensive artificial intelligence workloads have boosted demand for flash memory, while supply remains limited.

From Barron's