ticking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a metallic tapping sound
    tick.
    • he counted the ticks of the clock
  2. noun a strong fabric used for mattress and pillow covers
  3. verb make a clicking or ticking sound
    tick; click.
    • The clock ticked away
  4. verb make a sound like a clock or a timer
    beat; tick; ticktack; ticktock.
    • the clocks were ticking
    • the grandfather clock beat midnight
  5. verb sew
    tick; retick.
    • tick a mattress
  6. verb put a check mark on or near or next to
    mark off; check off; mark; tick off; tick; check.
    • Please check each name on the list
    • tick off the items
    • mark off the units

WordNet

Tick"ing noun
Etymology
From Tick a bed cover. Cf. Ticken.
Definitions
  1. A strong, closely woven linen or cotton fabric, of which ticks for beds are made. It is usually twilled, and woven in stripes of different colors, as white and blue; -- called also ticken.

Webster 1913