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
In a three-year study of 777 individuals from five European countries, the team found that PUFA stalled the ticking of time, biologically speaking. New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025 The fact that so many of his friends who used to be in the restaurant business have moved on, along with the ticking of time, was a motivator. Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025 Legislation to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans cleared a key procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday afternoon and is now headed toward another vote Thursday, with the clock ticking and only days left in the current session of Congress. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 Perhaps such is why each episode of A Very Royal Scandal, which recalls the events before, during, and after the interview took place, opens with the sound of ticking, a reputational bomb waiting to blow. Jack King, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ticking

Cite this Entry

“Ticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ticking. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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