tick
noun
a slight, sharp, recurring click, tap, or beat, as of a clock.
has been ticking
-
present perfect progressiveof tick (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
And inflation, as reported yesterday, has been ticking up lately, not down.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 22, 2025
The percentage has been ticking up steadily in recent seasons.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2024
It rose to 3.5% in March and has been ticking higher in 2024.
From Seattle Times ● May 13, 2024
Last night a senior source close to Yousaf said no decision had yet been taken but resignation was an option on the table, telling BBC News the “clock has been ticking ever downwards.”
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2024
Bacon says the student body’s homelessness rate has been ticking upward, and others have long commutes from the outskirts of the city.
From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2016
