ticktock

American  

[tik-tok] / ˈtɪkˌtɒk /

Sometimes tictoc

noun

1. an alternating ticking sound, as that made by a clock.

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verb (used without object)

1. to emit or produce a ticking sound, like that of a clock.

ticktock British  

/ ˈtɪkˌtɒk /

noun

1. a ticking sound as made by a clock

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verb

1. (intr) to make a ticking sound

Etymology

Origin of ticktock

First recorded in 1840–50; imitative

Example Sentences

It has adopted a ticktock release schedule, with major architecture advances coming every two years and upgrades in the intervening years.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Together they produced an hourslong ticktock cacophony that has become the unwanted soundtrack of the lives of McKee and her neighbors.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023

There’s pointillistic syncopation from marimba, glockenspiel and pizzicato strings, with a backdrop of sustained chords: the ticktock of everyday minutiae held together by the promise of constancy.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2022

Luria said the bipartisan panel has interviewed 1,000 witnesses and pieced together “a very comprehensive ticktock timeline” of what Trump did as the attack on the Capitol was unfolding.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2022

The room is quiet except for the wall clock’s ticktock.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes