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
Regulators and former employees call it one of the most notorious chameleon schemes — a ticking time bomb on our nation's roadways. Ashley Velie, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 The rhythmic ticking of an analog clock could be grounding in some rooms. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026 The tax season began in January and with the clock ticking, taxpayers have until April 15 to file their taxes or request an extension. ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 With the clock ticking on US strikes against Iranian power plants, nuclear officials are raising the alarm over a region-wide radiological event if Israeli or US forces target the Persian Gulf nation’s Bushehr nuclear plant. Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026 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 24 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster