tick
noun
a slight, sharp, recurring click, tap, or beat, as of a clock.
were ticking
-
past progressiveof tick.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
West Indian captain Shai Hope said his team were "ticking more boxes" after they won a reduced-overs third and final T20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.
From Barron's ● Jan. 31, 2026
But a state survey of Texas schools found that rates of exemptions were ticking upwards for MMR and other required vaccines.
From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2025
Treasury yields were ticking down in Asia with risks from the debt ceiling standoff ramping up.
From Reuters ● May 2, 2023
The last seconds were ticking down in a blowout win over Texas Tech on Saturday when Sooners defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas heard linebacker Nik Bonitto say on the sidelines, “It’s time for championship November.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 2, 2021
He just knew the seconds were ticking away and to look at it would only make the tension worse.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
