tick
A small mark that shows something is correct or checked.
The word tick has several meanings:
- A small mark used to show that something is correct, complete, or has been checked. In many countries, people use a tick (✓) the same way Americans use a checkmark. When your teacher reviews your homework, she might put a tick next to each correct answer. British English speakers often say “tick the box” where Americans say “check the box.”
- A tiny spider-like creature that attaches to animals and people to feed on blood. Ticks are parasites about the size of a sesame seed that live in tall grass and woods. They're important to watch for after hiking because some ticks carry diseases. If you find a tick attached to your skin, it needs to be removed carefully with tweezers.
- A quick, light sound that repeats regularly. A clock makes a ticking sound as its second hand moves: tick, tick, tick. You might hear your watch ticking in a quiet room. People sometimes say something is ticking in movies, referring to this steady sound counting down.
- What makes someone behave the way they do. When you wonder what makes a person tick, you're curious about their motivations and personality. Understanding what makes your best friend tick helps you know why they love certain activities or react certain ways to situations.