Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

tick-tock

/ˈtɪk.tɔk/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.71 in modern English

Syllables
tick---tock
IPA
/ˈtɪk.tɔk/
20
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
4
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

intj

The sound of the ticking of an analog clock.

intj

Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.

Colloquial

intj

Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.

Colloquial

verb

To make continual clicking sounds like those of an analog clock; to tick.

Intransitive verb

verb

When marching, to swing arms and legs on the same side at the same time.

Intransitive verb

noun

The sound of a ticking clock.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈtɪk.tɔk/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Questions

How do you pronounce tick-tock?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈtɪk.tɔk/.
What does tick-tock mean?
The sound of the ticking of an analog clock.
Where does tick-tock come from?
Imitative. See tick.

How to pronounce tick-tock

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “tick-tock”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈtɪk.tɔk/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “tick-tock”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “tick-tock” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.