# timing

/ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈaɪmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/timing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. the time something happens

noun · CEFR B2

the specific time when an event or action occurs.

For teachers: the particular time or date at which an event takes place, often in relation to other events.

- The timing of the announcement was bad because most people were already on holiday.
- The timing of the market crash caught many investors off guard, as it occurred just days after the quarterly reports were released.

### 3. mechanical synchronization

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the way parts of a machine or engine work together at the right speed.

For teachers: the regulation of the speed or synchronization of a mechanism, such as an internal combustion engine.

- The mechanic had to adjust the engine's timing to stop it from making a strange noise.
- Precise ignition timing is critical for maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in modern high-performance engines.

### 4. recording the time

noun · CEFR B2

the act of measuring how long something takes.

For teachers: the act or process of measuring the duration of an event or the time taken to complete a task.

- The official was responsible for the timing of each runner in the race.
- Electronic timing has replaced manual stopwatches in professional swimming to ensure accuracy down to the millisecond.

## Examples

- Her timing is perfect for the surprise party.
- The success of the product launch depended entirely on timing, as the company wanted to beat their competitors to market.
- In stand-up comedy, the effectiveness of a punchline relies less on the literal meaning of the words and more on the performer's innate sense of timing and pause.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.