nounπShareA strong cotton or linen fabric used to cover pillows and mattresses."The mattress cover was made of sturdy ticking to prevent the feathers from poking through. "materialChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make a clicking noise similar to the movement of the hands in an analog clock."The old clock on the wall was ticking loudly, making it hard to concentrate. "soundtimemachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make a tick or checkmark."The teacher asked the students to tick the correct answers on the quiz. "markactionwritingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo work or operate, especially mechanically."He took the computer apart to see how it ticked."machinefunctionprocessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo strike gently; to pat."The mother was gently ticking her baby's back to help him burp. "actionsoundChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo add a bird to a list of birds that have been seen (or heard)."After finally spotting the elusive blue jay in my backyard, I could tick it off my birdwatching list. "birdsportnatureanimallistChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo go on trust, or credit."The bakery owner is ticking me for bread until payday because I'm a regular customer. "businessfinanceeconomyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo give tick; to trust."My parents are ticking my brother to look after the younger children. "attitudevaluemoralChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA sound of something ticking."The ticking from the old clock kept me awake all night. "soundtimemachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn illusional style of dance where one moves his or her body to the "tic" of the music creating a strobe or animated effect."The dance crew practiced their ticking, aiming for a perfectly synchronized, stop-motion effect. "danceentertainmentstyleartmusicChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA marking that occurs on some horses. It involves white flecks of hair at the flank, and white hairs at the base of the tail, called a skunk tail or rabicano. Sometimes referred to as birdcatcher ticks."The horse breeder examined the young foal, noting the first signs of ticking appearing as small white flecks on its flank. "animalappearancemarkChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading