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ticking

1 of 3

noun (1)

tick·​ing ˈti-kiŋ How to pronounce ticking (audio)
: 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
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.
Noun
Lounging on the cushions is bliss, as the wire spring mechanism keeps them from sagging and the layered foam and cotton-blend ticking keeps feathers in place. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2025 And as Lynette said, there was a ticking clock. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025 Loveland suddenly faced the end zone with green turf in front of him and the clock ticking. Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 At issue here, amid the domestic peace, is not only what makes people tick but, thanks to Hopkins, whether the ticking is that of a well-wound clock or an unexploded bomb. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ticking

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ticking was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ticking. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

ticking

noun
tick·​ing
ˈtik-iŋ
: a strong fabric used especially as a covering for mattresses and pillows

More from Merriam-Webster on ticking

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