ticking

[tik-ing]

noun

1. a strong cotton fabric, usually twilled, used especially in making cloth ticks. tick.

2. a similar cloth in satin weave or Jacquard, used especially for mattress covers.

ticking

/ ˈtɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. a strong cotton fabric, often striped, used esp for mattress and pillow covers

Word History and Origins

Origin of ticking¹

First recorded in 1635–45; tick ³ + -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ticking¹

C17: from _tick ³

Example Sentences

She talks rapid-fire for eight straight minutes without interruption about sustainability as a personal project, ticking off all the ways she tries to be more eco-friendly in everything that she does.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That indicates that while claims are ticking higher, they are not at “alarming levels” so far, says Nancy Vanden Houten, lead U.S. economist for Oxford Economics.

Read more on Barron's

Now what was once a stable position feels like a ticking time bomb, with employees who worked their way up the corporate ladder awaiting their turn for a video call announcing their last day.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On poultry farms, meanwhile, cases are ticking up again.

Read more on Barron's

Inflation is now a ticking time bomb for Republicans.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• breathing 
• contemporary