ticker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal in 'heart' sense; Formal/Technical in finance; Neutral in other technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “ticker” mean?
A device that produces a regular ticking sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that produces a regular ticking sound; in modern usage, most commonly refers to a stock market information display showing current prices.
Also refers to the heart (slang), or any device that makes ticking sounds (like a clock or telegraph). In computing, a news or stock price scrolling display.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'stock ticker' identically. The slang 'ticker' for heart is slightly more dated/archaic in BrE but equally recognized.
Connotations
In finance, neutral/technical. As slang for heart, slightly humorous or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Finance sense is high-frequency in business contexts. Slang for heart is low-frequency, mostly in set phrases like 'my old ticker'.
Grammar
How to Use “ticker” in a Sentence
Check the [ticker] for updates.The [ticker] showed a drop.His [ticker] was weak.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ticker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (verb form is 'tick')
American English
- N/A (verb form is 'tick')
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard)
American English
- N/A (not standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to real-time stock price display: 'Keep an eye on the ticker for any sudden changes.'
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical studies of finance or technology.
Everyday
Mostly understood as slang for heart, though dated: 'The doctor says my ticker is still strong.'
Technical
In IT/software, can refer to a scrolling text component or real-time data feed.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ticker”
- Using 'ticker' to mean a clock in general (only if it ticks audibly). Confusing 'ticker tape' with adhesive tape.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is formal/technical in finance (stock ticker) but informal/slang when referring to the heart.
A unique series of letters representing a publicly traded company on a stock exchange (e.g., AAPL for Apple).
From the ticking sound made by the original telegraphic stock price printers (ticker tape machines).
No, the related verb is 'to tick'. 'Ticker' is only a noun.
A device that produces a regular ticking sound.
Ticker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “His ticker gave out.”
- “Watch the ticker.”
- “Ticker tape parade.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TICKer goes TICK-TOCK like a clock (sound) or TICKs off stock prices.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEART IS A MACHINE ('my ticker'), INFORMATION IS A MOVING OBJECT ('scrolling ticker').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ticker' used as slang?