English Reference

Word

clicking

Phoneticsclick·ing

US/ˈkɫɪkɪŋ/

UK/klˈɪkɪŋ/

Definitions

01using a computer mouse

A2 · Computing

v. pressing a button on a computer mouse or touch pad to select something.

v. the act of depressing and releasing a button on a pointing device to trigger a software command.

“I kept clicking the link, but the website wouldn't open.”

“After clicking the confirmation button, the user is redirected to a secure payment gateway to complete the transaction.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'on' before the object.

Synonyms

02making a sharp sound

B1

v. making a short, sharp sound, like a pen or a lock.

v. producing a brief, sharp, percussive sound through mechanical contact or movement.

“The sound of her heels clicking on the floor echoed in the quiet hallway.”

“The rhythmic clicking of the old radiator provided a constant background noise throughout the winter months.”

Synonyms

snappingclacking

03suddenly understanding

B2

v. suddenly becoming clear or starting to make sense to you.

v. the mental process of a concept or solution suddenly becoming clear or falling into place.

“I didn't understand the math problem at first, but then it started clicking.”

“The complex grammar rules finally started clicking for the students after they saw them used in a real-world conversation.”

Informal

04a series of sharp sounds

B1

n. a short, sharp sound that happens once or many times.

n. a succession of short, sharp sounds produced by mechanical or digital means.

“The strange clicking from the engine made the driver pull over.”

“The constant clicking of the Geiger counter indicated that the team was approaching the source of the radiation.”

Synonyms

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference