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.
But the company added fewer new customers in the first quarter than it did last year, and defaults on existing leases are ticking up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026
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.
From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2025
Coronavirus levels are ticking up, but overall rates are still quite low.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2023
The purpose is to understand whether companies are ticking the box or doing something more genuine, Edmans said, adding: "It's much easier for companies to say, 'Hey, we've now got a woman on the board.'"
From Reuters ● Jun. 26, 2023
I can see even Caesar’s professionalism showing some cracks as he tries to quiet them so I can speak, but my three minutes are ticking quickly away.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
