ticket

American  

[tik-it] / ˈtɪk ɪt /

noun

1. a slip, usually of paper or cardboard, serving as evidence that the holder has paid a fare or admission or is entitled to some service, right, or the like.

   a railroad ticket; a theater ticket.

2. a summons issued for a traffic or parking violation.

3. a written or printed slip of paper, cardboard, etc., affixed to something to indicate its nature, price, or the like; label or tag.

4. a slate of candidates nominated by a particular party or faction and running together in an election.

5. the license of a ship's officer or of an aviation pilot.

6. Banking. a preliminary recording of transactions prior to their entry in more permanent books of account.

7. Informal. the proper or advisable thing.

   That's the ticket! Warm milk and toast is just the ticket for you.

8. Archaic. a placard.

9. Obsolete. a short note, notice, or memorandum.

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verb (used with object)

1. to attach a ticket to; distinguish by means of a ticket; label.

2. to furnish with a ticket, as on the railroad.

3. to serve with a summons for a traffic or parking violation.

4. to attach such a summons to.

   to ticket illegally parked cars.

idioms

1. have tickets on oneself, to be conceited.

ticket British  

/ ˈtɪkɪt /

noun

1. 1. a piece of paper, cardboard, etc, showing that the holder is entitled to certain rights, such as travel on a train or bus, entry to a place of public entertainment, etc

   2. (modifier) concerned with or relating to the issue, sale, or checking of tickets

      a ticket office

      ticket collector

2. a piece of card, cloth, etc, attached to an article showing information such as its price, size, or washing instructions

3. a summons served for a parking offence or violation of traffic regulations

4. informal the certificate of competence issued to a ship's captain or an aircraft pilot

5. the group of candidates nominated by one party in an election; slate

6. the declared policy of a political party at an election

7. informal a certificate of discharge from the armed forces

8. informal the right or appropriate thing

   that's the ticket

9. informal to be conceited

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verb

1. to issue or attach a ticket or tickets to

2. informal to earmark for a particular purpose

ticket More Idioms  

1. see just the ticket; meal ticket; split ticket; straight ticket; write one's own ticket.

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Other Word Forms

• reticket verb (used with object)
• ticketing noun
• ticketless adjective
• unticketed adjective

Etymology

Origin of ticket

1520–30; 1925–30 ticket for def. 4; earlier tiket < Middle French etiquet memorandum. See etiquette

Example Sentences

He also encouraged comedy to "explore" whether it can introduce a voluntary ticket levy similar to music, which sees larger venues reinvest in the grassroots.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Charlotte's dad, Shane, a Port Vale season ticket holder, ran the pub up until he passed away in 2022.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

"Anyone and everyone with a ticket can enjoy the show."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Mischief Management confirmed to The Times that the company is issuing full refunds to all ticket holders.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

She was doing her fast walking again, approaching a small, redbrick ticket window to inquire about a carriage to the hotel.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• admission
• card
• certificate
• check
• coupon
• document
• license
• paper
• passport
• permit
• receipt
• record
• sticker
• voucher