Definition

Noun 1. A piece of paper or card giving the holder a right to a service, admission, or travel: A commercial document that serves as proof of purchase and entitlement, especially for entry to an event or for a journey on public transport. 2. A label or tag attached to an item: A small piece of paper, cardboard, or plastic attached to something to indicate its price, owner, nature, or other details. 3. A list of candidates nominated by a political party: The slate of people a political party chooses to run for election. 4. A summons issued for a violation, especially a traffic offense: An official notice, typically from law enforcement, requiring a person to pay a fine or appear in court for a breach of rules. 5. (Informal) The appropriate or desirable thing: Used to describe something that is exactly what is needed or suitable in a situation.

Verb 1. To issue a ticket for passage or admission: To provide someone with a ticket, making them a ticketed passenger or attendee. 2. To issue a ticket as a penalty: To give someone an official summons, typically for a traffic or parking violation.

Usage Examples

Noun * I bought a ticket for the concert next week. (Proof of admission) * The price ticket on the shirt was missing. (Label indicating price) * She is running for office on the Republican ticket. (List of political candidates) * He got a parking ticket for leaving his car in a no-parking zone. (Summons for a violation) * A weekend at the beach is just the ticket to relax. (The appropriate/desirable thing)

Verb * All passengers must be ticketed before boarding the plane. (Provided with a travel ticket) * The police officer ticketed three cars for speeding. (Issued penalty summonses)

Advanced Usage

• "That's the ticket!": An informal exclamation meaning "That's exactly right!" or "That's the perfect solution!"
  • You want to add more salt? Yes, that's the ticket!
• "To have a ticket to (something)": Figuratively, to have a means of access or opportunity to achieve something.
  • A good education is often seen as a ticket to a better life.

Variants and Related Words

• Ticketing (n): The process or system of issuing tickets.
  • Online ticketing has made booking events much easier.
• E-ticket (n): A digital or electronic ticket, often used for air travel.
• Lottery ticket (n): A ticket purchased for a chance to win a prize in a lottery.

Synonyms

• Noun (for admission/travel): Pass, voucher, coupon.
• Noun (for a violation): Summons, citation, fine.
• Noun (label): Tag, label, sticker.
• Verb (to fine): Cite, summons, fine.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Ticket someone for (something): To issue a penalty ticket for a specific offense.
  • She was ticketed for illegal parking.

Related Idioms

• "Just the ticket": Exactly what is needed or suitable.
  • A cup of hot tea is just the ticket on a cold day.
• "Write one's own ticket": To have the power to set one's own terms or choose one's own path because of high demand for one's skills.
  • With her qualifications, she can write her own ticket in the tech industry.

Noun

1. the appropriate or desirable thing
   • this car could be just the ticket for a small family
2. a list of candidates nominated by a political party to run for election to public offices
3. a summons issued to an offender (especially to someone who violates a traffic regulation)
4. a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
5. a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)

Verb

1. provide with a ticket for passage or admission
   • Ticketed passengers can board now
2. issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty
   • I was fined for parking on the wrong side of the street
   • Move your car or else you will be ticketed!