DictionarytickClicking sound
noun / verb

tick

A short recurring clicking sound.

The steady tick of the clock fills the quiet room.

Etymology

An imitation of a small recurring click. It is separate from the parasitic insect and mattress-covering words.

More examples

  • My watch ticks softly beside the bed.
  • The kitchen timer ticked until its bell rang.
  • She wonders what makes her quiet neighbor tick.

Forms

tick · ticks · ticked · ticking

Similar words

click
Can describe an isolated sharp sound, without suggesting regular repetition.
tap
Often suggests light contact with a surface, not clockwork.