tick
tihk
Tick (noun) means a small blood-feeding arachnid that attaches to the skin of animals and humans. Example: “Always check for ticks after walking through long grass.”
noun
1
A small blood-feeding arachnid that attaches to the skin of animals and humans.
"Always check for ticks after walking through long grass."
"The vet removed a tick from the dog's ear."
"Ticks can be tiny, so wear long trousers when hiking through bracken."
2
A short, sharp repeated sound, like that made by a clock.
"The only sound in the room was the tick of the clock."
"We heard the tick of the heater as it cooled down."
"Each tick of the kitchen timer made her more anxious about the cake."
3
A checkmark used to show something is correct or complete.
"Put a tick next to each item you've finished."
"Mark your answer with a tick in the correct box."
"The teacher gave me a tick, so I knew the sum was right."
verb
1
To make a rhythmic clicking sound, or to mark something with a checkmark.
"The clock ticked steadily on the mantelpiece."
"She ticked each name off the guest list."
"He ticked off every task on his list before leaving the office."
How to use tick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context: the blood-sucking bug, the sound a clock makes, or a checkmark (and the act of marking one).
UK vs US
In British English, "tick" is the standard word for a checkmark (✓); American English usually says "check" or "check mark" instead.
Common pairings
tick a box
tick off a list
a tick bite
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like tick.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ticks
- Third person singular
- ticks
- Past tense
- ticked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Always check for _____ after walking through long grass.
Etymology
From Old English ticia, "parasitic insect," related to Dutch teek and German Zecke.
Related words
Rhymes for tick
See all rhymes for tick →Frequently asked questions
What does “tick” mean?
The word “tick” means a small blood-feeding arachnid that attaches to the skin of animals and humans. In plain terms, depending on context: the blood-sucking bug, the sound a clock makes, or a checkmark (and the act of marking one).
How do you pronounce “tick”?
“Tick” is pronounced tihk (/tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tick” in a sentence?
Here is “tick” used in a sentence: “Always check for ticks after walking through long grass.”
What is another word for “tick”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tick” include ticking.
What part of speech is “tick”?
Depending on how it is used, “tick” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tick” come from?
The word “tick” comes from Old English. From Old English ticia, "parasitic insect," related to Dutch teek and German Zecke.
Is “tick” a common word?
“Tick” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “tick” have?
“Tick” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small blood-feeding arachnid that attaches to the skin of animals and humans.
What is the difference between a tick and a checkmark?
A tick and a checkmark refer to the same symbol used to show that something is correct or complete; tick is the more common term in British English, while checkmark is preferred in American English. Both describe the small mark used on lists, forms, and quizzes.
What is the difference between the insect tick and the sound tick?
A tick as an insect is a small blood-feeding arachnid that attaches to the skin of animals and humans, unrelated in meaning to the tick that describes a short, sharp repeated sound like a clock makes. The two senses share only the spelling and pronunciation, not an origin in meaning.
When is tick used as a verb?
As a verb, tick means either to make a rhythmic clicking sound, as a clock ticks, or to mark something with a checkmark, as in ticking a box on a form. Context usually makes clear which sense is meant.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include tick:
