time frame

noun

variants or less commonly timeframe

ˈtīm-ˌfrām 

: a period of time especially with respect to some action or project

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time frame or timeframe?

Should time frame be written as one word or two? At present, it is most commonly styled as two words with no hyphen in between.

Compounds, or “words consisting of components that are words,” come in three varieties: open (two words with a space between them, such as lima bean), hyphenated (two words with a hyphen between them, such as runner-up), and closed (one word, such as rowboat). In some cases, competing compound stylings appear in different publications. This is generally acceptable as long as the spelling remains consistent throughout a book or periodical.

Compounds have a tendency to move from open to closed as time goes by, and our evidence suggests that time frame is headed in this direction. At this point, however, the open compound is far more prevalent.

Examples of time frame in a Sentence

They were not able to finish the project within the established time frame.

Recent Examples on the Web

Because the specific heat of water is high, peak hurricane activity happens in the August to September time frame. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

The same time frame applies when the accident results in a fatality. —Nia Bowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

My neurologist told me to expect relief for two or three months, and during this time frame, the stabbing sensation in my head was way milder and more manageable than before. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 22 Nov. 2024

Consumers could purchase new LTC policies with current pricing, but insurance companies will only guarantee the coverage for a limited time frame, such as six years. —Elliot Raphaelson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above