ticking

American  

[tik-ing] / ˈtɪk ɪŋ /

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.

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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

Sales unexpectedly ticking up would be a sign of how strongly rates around 6% drew buyers off the sidelines.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

For parents who hope their children will attend college, the clock to save for this goal starts ticking from the moment they are born.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Their arrival, and a contractual deadline for successfully reversing the formula that might cost Les his company, sets up a ticking clock, represented by literal ticking clocks mounted around the laboratory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Nike’s overall quarterly sales of $11.3 billion beat Wall Street expectations, with sales ticking up in North America and Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

All you could hear was the clock ticking and Mr. French’s fork tapping his dessert plate.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• breathing
• contemporary