1 B1 neutral
For a clock, timer, or numerical indicator to steadily decrease toward zero.
"The game clock ticked down to the final three seconds as the crowd held its breath."
inseparable
tick down
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
For a timer, clock, or counter to decrease steadily toward zero.
In plain English
A clock or timer going down toward zero, like a countdown.
What does "tick down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a ticking mechanism to count downward — largely transparent.
Actually means
A clock or timer going down toward zero, like a countdown.
Usage tip
Most commonly used in contexts involving countdowns, game clocks, or financial indicators falling incrementally. Very common in sports and financial journalism. Can also be used loosely for any decreasing process that suggests a deadline.
Words that pair with "tick down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
clock timer seconds counter shot clock time
How to conjugate "tick down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tick down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ticks down
he/she/it
Past simple
ticked down
yesterday
Past participle
ticked down
have + pp
-ing form
ticking down
continuous
Hear "tick down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tick down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tick down"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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