Definition

1. Noun:

   • A steady, repetitive, ticking sound: A short, light, and regular sound, like that made by a clock or a watch.

2. Verb:

   • To make a steady, repetitive, ticking sound: To produce a series of short, light, regular sounds, similar to a clock.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The only sound in the room was the quiet ticktack of the wall clock.
  • He listened to the ticktack of the typewriter keys from the next office.

• Verb:

  • The old timer ticktacked softly on the mantelpiece.
  • A pipe in the wall ticktacked all night, keeping her awake.

Advanced Usage

• Onomatopoeic Use: The word "ticktack" is an onomatopoeia, meaning it phonetically imitates the sound it describes. It is often used to evoke a sense of quiet, passing time or a mechanical rhythm.

Variants and Related Words

• Tick (noun/verb): A single, short, sharp sound, often one of a series. (e.g., ).
• Tick-tock (noun): Another onomatopoeic word for the sound of a clock, often emphasizing the alternating two-part sound.
• Ticking (noun): A continuous series of tick sounds.

Synonyms

• Tick
• Click (for a slightly sharper, less regular sound)
• Beat (for a rhythmic pulse)

Related Phrases

• (As) regular as clockwork: Very punctual or predictable, like the steady sound of a clock.
  • He arrives for work every day, regular as clockwork.

Noun

1. system of signalling by hand signs used by bookmakers at racetracks

Verb

1. make a sound like a clock or a timer
   • the clocks were ticking
   • the grandfather clock beat midnight