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
Still, with that partisan-by-any-other-name AGs’ suit, there’s the looming kickoff next month of a $650 million-a-quarter ticking fee to WBD shareholders. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 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 Malloy crisscrossed the state during his first few months in office, holding 17 town meetings to explain the fiscal ticking time bomb represented by unfunded pension obligations. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for ticking

Browse Nearby Words

tickiest
ticking
tickle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on ticking

Nglish: Translation of ticking for Spanish Speakers

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