What is the meaning of ticking?

noun

• A metallic tapping sound.
  • usage: "he counted the ticks of the clock"
  • synonyms: tick
• A strong fabric used for mattress and pillow covers.

verb

• Make a clicking or ticking sound.
  • usage: "The clock ticked away"
  • synonyms: click, tick
• Make a sound like a clock or a timer.
  • usage: "the clocks were ticking"; "the grandfather clock beat midnight"
  • synonyms: tick, ticktock, ticktack, beat
• Sew.
  • usage: "tick a mattress"
  • synonyms: tick, retick
• Put a check mark on or near or next to.
  • usage: "Please check each name on the list"; "tick off the items"; "mark off the units"
  • synonyms: check, check off, mark, mark off, tick off, tick