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

The Guaranteed Portfolio Option is suitable for those with shorter investment time frames and for individuals who have lower risk tolerance. —Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

All that David Rivera cared about during the entire time frame of this case, without exception, was removing Nicolás Maduro. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

The time frame will shift to six months in 2027. —Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

The time frame will shift to six months in 2027. —ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for time frame

• aspartame
• counterclaim
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame