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
After some settling in, the ticking began. Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 Habituation comes in handy to tune out disturbances such as a clock ticking or traffic noise. Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 18 Jan. 2026 Seven ticking clocks, arranged in a very precise and particular order, leading her to a mysterious group known as the Seven Dials. Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026 And Rupert’s age also functioned as a ticking clock. Gabriel Sherman, Vanity Fair, 14 Jan. 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 25 Jan. 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

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