tick

[[t]tɪ̱k[/t]]

ticks, ticking, ticked

1) N-COUNT A tick is a written mark like a V. It is used to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with. [mainly BRIT]

His exercise books were full of well deserved red ticks...

Place a tick in the appropriate box.

(in AM, usually use check)

2) VERB If you tick something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a tick next to it. [mainly BRIT]

[V n] Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive such mailings...

[V n] As each boy said yes, he ticked their name.

(in AM, usually use check)

3) VERB When a clock or watch ticks, it makes a regular series of short sounds as it works.

A wind-up clock ticked busily from the kitchen counter.

Derived words:

ticking N-UNCOUNT oft N of n

...the endless ticking of clocks.

PHRASAL VERB

Tick away means the same as tick.

V P A grandfather clock ticked away in a corner.

4) N-COUNT The tick of a clock or watch is the series of short sounds it makes when it is working, or one of those sounds.

He sat listening to the tick of the grandfather clock.

5) N-COUNT You can use tick to refer to a very short period of time. [BRIT, INFORMAL]

Just hang on a tick, we may be able to help...

I'll be back in a tick...

I shall be with you in two ticks.

Syn:

sec

6) VERB If you talk about what makes someone tick, you are talking about the beliefs, wishes, and feelings that make them behave in the way that they do. [INFORMAL]

He wanted to find out what made them tick...

I'm interested in how people tick.

7) N-COUNT A tick is a small creature which lives on the bodies of people or animals and uses their blood as food.

...chemicals that destroy ticks and mites...

Tick bites can cause Lyme disease.

Phrasal Verbs:

- tick away

- tick by

- tick on

- tick by

- tick off

- tick on

- tick over