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
That’s about as quiet as the ticking of a watch. Rosecrans Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Where Elijah sees the end days of his career, Lee hears the ticking of an egg timer. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2025 With the clock ticking on LA’s aging core — the team lost 16 goals from age adjustment heading into the season, the worst mark of the league — a misstep like this could be crushing. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Highlighting this, event ticking site, Eventbrite is seeing a 92% increase in sober gatherings, redefining the traditional night out with a fusion of wellness, music, and authentic community connections. Felicia Faber, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 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 15 Oct. 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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