ticking

American  

[tik-ing] / ˈtɪk ɪŋ /

noun

1. a strong cotton fabric, usually twilled, used especially in making cloth ticks.

2. a similar cloth in satin weave or Jacquard, used especially for mattress covers.

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ticking British  

/ ˈtɪkɪŋ /

noun

1. a strong cotton fabric, often striped, used esp for mattress and pillow covers

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Etymology

Origin of ticking

First recorded in 1635–45; tick ³ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“I feel like a ticking time bomb right now,” Waldorf told him.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

As always, a clock is ticking on any legal action you choose to take.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

"But even at the absolute zero temperature, the ground state, the ticking rate will still be affected by just the quantum fluctuations alone."

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Prices of fruits and vegetables rose more than 2% during February and March after ticking up less than 1% throughout 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

“You have until Sunday to make up your mind. Time is ticking by.”

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Related Words

• breathing
• contemporary