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.
Join 31 others in the comments View Comments Scientists say some of these changes can be reversed if humans stop pumping out planet-heating gases, but on timescales ranging from hundreds of years to many thousands. — Laura Paddison, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 But adoption dynamics are defined by human and physical world transformation timescales, and these changes and build-outs, e.g., in telecommunications or transportation networks or energy or computing infrastructures, take decades to complete. — Marcus Weldon, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 On the timescale of a fast-moving field like synthetic biology, a decade is a very long time. — Kate Adamala, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025 Volcanic eruptions release vast amounts of carbon-dioxide, dust, and sulfur, thereby significantly altering the chemistry of the atmosphere and changing Earth's climate—but in different ways and on different timescales to a meteorite impact. — David Bressan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 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

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Browse Nearby Words

timescale
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Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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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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