tick
noun
a slight, sharp, recurring click, tap, or beat, as of a clock.
are ticking
-
present progressiveof tick.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Raises become more rare but hiring plans are ticking up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026
On poultry farms, meanwhile, cases are ticking up again.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2025
And at the same time, borrowing and unemployment are ticking up and there is no sign of the economy budging, even though getting it to grow is Labour's number one mission.
From BBC ● Mar. 22, 2025
Hospitalizations are ticking up, but remain a fraction of numbers from prior summers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2024
The seconds are ticking away far faster than they’re supposed to.
From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden
