ticking

1 of 3

noun (1)

tick·​ing ˈti-kiŋ 

: a strong linen or cotton fabric used in upholstering and as a covering for a mattress or pillow

ticking

2 of 3

noun (2)

: ticked marking on a bird or mammal or on individual hairs

ticking

3 of 3

present participle of tick entry 2

Examples of ticking in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There is still the Connor Hellebuyck situation to unravel, and Jason Robertson’s, which is on a ticking clock with his arbitration hearing coming up. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026

At that point, a nasty nearly $7 million a day ticking fee takes effect that will find Paramount on the hook for hundreds of millions out to WBD shareholders each month until the matter gets regulatory approval. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 July 2026

Paramount had planned to close the transaction prior to a deadline of September 30, at which point a ticking clock fee kicks in requiring Paramount to pay shareholders an additional fee each quarter the transaction does not close. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 13 July 2026

The lead-up to the wedding feels like a ticking clock as Charlie and Emma’s best friend, Rachel (Alana Haim, perfectly cast), tries to reckon with feeling morally superior to the bride-to-be. — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

tick entry 4

Noun (2)

tick entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1649, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1885, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ticking

• clicking
• flicking
• kicking
• nicking
• picking
• pricking
• sticking
• tricking
• wicking
• picnicking
• politicking

Kids Definition

ticking

noun

tick·​ing

ˈtik-iŋ

: a strong fabric used especially as a covering for mattresses and pillows