tick
noun
a slight, sharp, recurring click, tap, or beat, as of a clock.
have been ticking
-
present perfect progressiveof tick.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.
Growth rates in the first half of the year have come in better than expected while a string of recent indicators, from factory output to exports and business confidence, have been ticking up.
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
Hunger mortality rates for the region have been ticking upward, and as many as 29 percent of Somali children younger than 5 are experiencing acute malnutrition.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 13, 2022
Covid-19 hospitalizations have been ticking upward, recently reaching about 130 new admissions a day across New York City, according to state data.
From New York Times ● May 17, 2022
And while home prices are expected to rise at a less torrid pace this year, mortgage rates have been ticking higher and are projected to climb this year.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 17, 2022
I heard that, and it must have been ticking minutes before the sound reached me; perhaps if I waited a little longer I should hear her breathing.
From Jacqueline of Golden River by Ralph P. (Ralph Pallen) Coleman
