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.
For instance, the system relies on methanol rather than pure water, and long-term storage beyond laboratory timescales has not yet been demonstrated. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025 Confident, but unconfident on the timescales. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025 Artificial intelligence is the most impactful technological development of our time—more impactful than computers or the internet and, perhaps, comparable to the Industrial Revolution, but happening on a much faster timescale. Geoffrey Hinton, Time, 11 Dec. 2025 Knowing when a burst might happen within the larger cycle could give storm warnings on medium timescales—kind of like a heliophysics Farmers’ Almanac for both satellite and tractor operators. Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

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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