ticktock

[ tik-tok ]
See synonyms for: ticktockticktockedticktocking on Thesaurus.com

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

verb (used without object)
  1. to emit or produce a ticking sound, like that of a clock.

Origin of ticktock

1
First recorded in 1840–50; imitative
  • Sometimes tic·toc .

Words Nearby ticktock

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ticktock in a sentence

  • The first thing you notice in The Master is Jonny Greenwood’s score, a propulsive ticktock that hypnotizes the audience before a single word has been spoken.

    All of Paul Thomas Anderson's Movies, Ranked | Matthew Jacobs | November 24, 2021 | Time
  • The timeline and ticktock of that commission’s work now stands as a national canon for the events of that day.

  • ticktock, ticktock went the pendulum of the clock; and the wind moaned as it swept past the window.

    Mother | Maksim Gorky
  • Currying ticktock turned out to be a much bigger job than Jim had anticipated.

    Ticktock and Jim | Keith Robertson
  • Mrs. Meadows and Jean were neutral and puzzled respectively, so ticktock reserved judgment on them.

    Ticktock and Jim | Keith Robertson
  • ticktock stopped grazing and looked up inquiringly at his suddenly large audience.

    Ticktock and Jim | Keith Robertson
  • After tying ticktock to the orchard fence, Jim stepped back and regarded his property with admiration.

    Ticktock and Jim | Keith Robertson

British Dictionary definitions for ticktock

ticktock

/ (ˈtɪkˌtɒk) /


noun
  1. a ticking sound as made by a clock

verb
  1. (intr) to make a ticking sound

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012