Ticking: meaning, definitions and examples

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ticking

[ˈtɪkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sound

A regular short, sharp sound made by a clock or similar device.

Synonyms

clicking, tapping, ticking sound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ticking	This word is often used to describe the repetitive sound made by a clock or watch. It gives a sense of regular intervals and is usually associated with the passage of time. The ticking of the clock kept me awake all night. I could hear the ticking echo in the silent room.
clicking	This term is commonly used for short, sharp sounds, like the one made by pressing a mouse button, a camera shutter, or certain types of machinery. I heard the clicking of the keyboard keys as he typed. The clicking sound of the camera was unmistakable.
tapping	This word refers to a light, quick, and repetitive sound or action, often made by fingers or small objects making contact with a surface. She was tapping her pen against the desk out of boredom. The tapping of rain on the window was soothing.
ticking sound	This phrase specifically denotes the sound similar to that of a clock, emphasizing the auditory aspect. It often underscores the subtlety or regularity of the sound. There was a faint ticking sound coming from the old grandfather clock. The ticking sound in the background created a sense of urgency.

Examples of usage

I could hear the ticking of the clock in the background.
The ticking of the timer signaled that the food was ready.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

time

Mark or accompany the passage of time by the regular occurrence of a sound or motion.

Synonyms

count down, measure, track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ticking	Can also refer to the act of marking off tasks or items on a list, but it's less common in this context. She kept ticking items off her to-do list. They were ticking off milestones in their project.
count down	Often used when referring to a sequence of backwardly counted numbers to indicate the time remaining before an event or operation. The team prepared for the launch, eagerly watching the countdown. The countdown to the New Year has already begun!
measure	Appropriate when discussing the act of determining the size, amount, or degree of something, typically using an instrument or device. Scientists measure the temperature daily. You need to measure the flour accurately for this recipe.
track	Best used when referring to monitoring progress, movement, or keeping a record of something over time. Athletes use apps to track their workouts. We need to track the shipment to ensure it arrives on time.

Examples of usage

The clock on the wall was ticking away the minutes.
She watched the seconds ticking on her watch.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ticking' originally referred to the soft sound of a clock, derived from 'tick' which has roots tracing back to the early 17th century.
In Old English, 'ticcian' meant to touch or to beat lightly, which relates closely to the sound produced by clocks.

Science

The phenomenon of ticking in clocks is due to a gear mechanism that creates a rhythmic sound, helping to indicate time intervals.
Certain atomic clocks use the vibrations or 'ticks' of atoms to keep incredibly accurate time, diverging from mechanical ticking.

Psychology

The ticking of clocks can create a sense of urgency, often affecting our perception of time during stressful situations.
Research shows that constant ticking sounds can increase anxiety levels in some individuals, making the environment feel more rushed.

Pop Culture

In movies and songs, the sound of ticking often symbolizes impending danger or a countdown, heightening suspense.
The phrase 'the ticking time bomb' is frequently used in thrillers to signify a situation that could explode at any moment.

Literature

Many authors use the motif of a ticking clock to symbolize the inevitable passage of time and the characters' races against it.
Lewis Carroll employed the image of a ticking in 'Alice in Wonderland' to create a whimsical yet absurd view of time.

Translations

Translations of the word "ticking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ticando

🇮🇳 टिक टिक करना

🇩🇪 ticken

🇮🇩 berdetik

🇺🇦 цокання

🇵🇱 tykanie

🇯🇵 カチカチ

🇫🇷 tic-tac

🇪🇸 tic-tac

🇹🇷 tik tak

🇰🇷 똑딱거림

🇸🇦 تكتكة

🇨🇿 tikání

🇸🇰 tikanie

🇨🇳 滴答作响

🇸🇮 tikanje

🇮🇸 tikkandi

🇰🇿 сырылдау

🇬🇪 ტიკტიკი

🇦🇿 tıklama

🇲🇽 tic-tac

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,866, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18863 fanned
18864 wad
18865 incensed
18866 ticking
18867 ladle
18868 octavo
18869 slicing
...