timescale

noun

time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the relative or absolute duration or antiquity of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time

Examples of timescale in a Sentence

When considered on the 4.6 billion year timescale of the Earth, our lives can seem insignificant. What is the timescale for completion of the work?
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.
Flickering that might have taken place on timescales of days when the light left this quasar was redshifted to months by the time this light reached us. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 2026 Over unimaginably long timescales, this process could cause black holes to evaporate completely. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026 Its biology will not translate into a therapy on any near-term timescale. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 The original plan was for the stadium to be open by 2021, but the timescale has shifted so many times. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for timescale

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of timescale was in 1890

Rhymes for timescale

See All Rhymes for timescale

Browse Nearby Words

time-saving
timescale
time sense
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

timescale

noun
time·​scale ˈtīm-ˌskāl How to pronounce timescale (audio)
: an arrangement of events used as a measure of the duration or age of a period of history or geologic or cosmic time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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