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

With the clock ticking down towards next year's election, the president appears concerned about the way that people are responding to him.

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Rather than ticking as many boxes as possible, leaders should ask: What perspectives does our team need?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The number of flights was expected to drop to only 25,611 on Thanksgiving Day before ticking back up for post-holiday travel.

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And inflation, as reported yesterday, has been ticking up lately, not down.

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And with many delegates due to leave over the coming hours, the clock is ticking for countries to come to an agreement.

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Related Words

• breathing 
• contemporary