timing

[tahy-ming]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of timing¹

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

Example Sentences

If something unseen -- almost a "cosmic ghost" -- distorts spacetime between a pulsar and Earth, the timing of its pulses shifts slightly.

Read more on Science Daily

In fiscal 2026, earnings per share are expected to grow by a high-teens percentage due to the timing of certain discrete cost benefits, Dollar Tree said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That’s because, despite the game’s clear rules, many calls in soccer remain open to interpretation and timing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

ET, will mark his first major public appearance since the Fed’s policy meeting last month, which exposed deep divisions among Fed officials about the timing and magnitude of future interest-rate cuts.

Read more on Barron's

Despite the timing, cast and crew say he stayed “flawless” and fully committed.

Read more on Salon

When To Use

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!