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.

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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

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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

For cancer in women, the timing of weight gain did not seem to change the level of risk.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

“The timing around that is quite uncertain,” the official said.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Her timing continued in lockstep as she traveled the globe in search of architectural talent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"It's good timing, isn't it? Lots of things happening at the end of this season," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“Well…your timing is good, at least. I’ve just about got this thing fixed. I ran out of thread, so I’m just figuring out how to safety pin the…” She looks up and her smile fades.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell