ticking
UK: ˈtɪkɪŋ | US: ˈtɪkɪŋ
n. 1. A strong, durable fabric, often striped, used for mattress and pillow covers.
n. 2. The sound of a clock or watch operating.
v. (present participle of "tick") 1. Making a light, repetitive clicking sound.
The word "ticking" has two primary branches of meaning, both derived from the root "tick." The fabric sense (early 19th century) comes from Middle Dutch "tike" (cloth cover), likely reinforced by the striped pattern resembling clock marks. The sound sense originates from Old English "ticcian" (to touch lightly), imitative of repetitive clicks. The suffix "-ing" nominalizes both concepts—either as material or ongoing action.
The mattress was covered in blue-and-white ticking.
The steady ticking of the clock filled the quiet room.
She could hear the engine ticking as it cooled down.
Ticking fabric is prized for its durability in upholstery.
The bomb’s ticking grew louder, heightening the tension.