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
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Noun
But these changes won’t all be in sync, so there’s no ticking clock that applies to them all at any instant — hence, pseudo-time. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 There was a ticking clock as the film rights would revert to Mattel at the end of the year and the toymaker would have to start from scratch with a frosh project — and frosh talent. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 There’s been a ticking up of flu activity in the Pacific Northwest, which is leading to some calls for people to get vaccinated now. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026 The terror is physical entrapment, an unbearable ticking clock with Jay having one hour of oxygen left, alone with his thoughts. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 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

Rhymes for ticking

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Browse Nearby Words

tickiest
ticking
tickle
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Cite this Entry

“Ticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ticking. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ticking

noun
tick·​ing
ˈtik-iŋ
: a strong fabric used especially as a covering for mattresses and pillows
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