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.
Hugh Lewis, a space debris expert at the University of Birmingham in England, notes that at around 2,000 kilometers, debris can persist for 100,000 years—a timescale comparable to the 300,000 or so years humans have been on the planet. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 The researchers tested the technology on data with multiple timescales. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026 The Safety Net examines what the advent of the internet means on the timescale of civilizations. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026 The landslides are evidence that the icy world is still active, albeit on geological timescales. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Timescale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timescale. Accessed 26 Aug. 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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