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.
U.S. stock futures were ticking up following yesterday’s small losses for major markets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
The hosts were ticking along nicely at 183-3 in front of a sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground but lost their last seven wickets for just 53 to be all out with 3.2 overs left.
From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2025
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
“They basically were ticking along very poor, and sometime after the age of 50 something happened,” Kushel said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 20, 2023
Being around her—aware that the seconds were ticking away to her leaving too—made things worse.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
