ticktock
ticktock Lexical Profile
ticktock Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A recurrent, alternating clicking sound, especially that made by a mechanical clock or watch.
"The steady ticktock of the grandfather clock echoed through the quiet hallway."
American A journalistic article or broadcast that chronicles the behind-the-scenes events leading up to a major development in strict chronological order.
"The newspaper published a fascinating ticktock detailing the final hours of the diplomatic negotiations."
• interjection
Used to imitate the rhythmic sound of a clock ticking, or to warn someone that time is rapidly running out.
"Ticktock, the deadline is in ten minutes and we still need to submit the report!"
• verb
To make a steady, alternating ticking sound like that of a clock, or to pass with such a sound.
"The antique wall clock ticktocked softly in the corner of the study as the afternoon wore on."
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-19th century as an onomatopoeic reduplication of 'tick', imitating the alternating beats of a clock's escapement mechanism.