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

Spurs have been interested in Cody Gakpo of Liverpool and Savinho of Manchester City, but with the clock ticking, neither player — nor any other forward — has arrived. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

That bond would help cover the $7 million-a-day ticking fee that Paramount Skydance is obliged to pay to WBD shareholders starting in a few weeks, plus other costs baked into the agreement. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

This Lusitania didn’t sink as a formal band played, but the ticking of each man’s pocket watch synchronized to form a furious percussion section, and all those wailing women’s voices layered into girl-group harmonies. — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Beginning September 30, the company owes Warner shareholders a $650 million ticking fee every quarter thereafter. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 3 Aug. 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