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

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

While awaiting a March 2 trial on the antitrust suit, Paramount faced a $7 million-a-day ticking fee to WBD shareholders if the deal was fatally delayed. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Palm Grove is a gorgeous, sophisticated toile; red-and-white ticking stripe has a classic, polished look that feels fresh and timeless. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Taylor Swift had the clock ticking – and Swifties were sent scrambling to figure out what was set to happen when the clock hit zero. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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