ticking
word · lemma: tick
/ˈtɪkɪŋ/
TI-king
/tˈɪkɪŋ/
TI-king
Definition
The continuous, repeated sound that a clock or timer makes. 'Ticking' can also refer to something happening gradually and regularly, often suggesting that time is passing.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly for clocks, watches, or timers. The phrase 'the clock is ticking' means time is running out. Not to be confused with 'tickling' (causing laughter by touching). Can also be used metaphorically to describe pressing deadlines or build suspense.
Spanish: tic-tac - tictac (reloj) - tic (sonido)Portuguese (BR): tic-tac - tique-taque - tique (som do relógio)Portuguese (PT): tic-tac - tique-taque - tique (som do relógio)Chinese (Simplified): 滴答声 - 滴答（钟表的声音）Chinese (Traditional): 滴答聲 - 滴答（鐘錶的聲音）Hindi: टिक-टिक - घड़ी की आवाज़Arabic: صوت دقات (الساعة) - تكتكةBengali: টিকটিক শব্দ - টিকধ্বনিRussian: тиканиеJapanese: カチカチ音 - チクタク音Vietnamese: tiếng tích tắcKorean: 째깍거림Turkish: tik sesiUrdu: ٹِک ٹِک (گھڑی کی آواز)Indonesian: bunyi detikan - detik
Example Sentences
I hear the ticking of the clock.
basic
The timer started ticking.
basic
There is a ticking sound in the room.
basic
The bomb's ticking made everyone nervous.
natural
You can hear the ticking even when the room is quiet.
natural
The clock is ticking—we need to hurry up!
natural