ticket
ticket
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "ticket" is /ˈtɪk.ɪt/.
/ˈtɪk/
/ɪt/
Word Form Variations
Noun: ticket (singular), tickets (plural)
Verb: ticket (base form), tickets (third person singular present), ticketing (present participle), ticketed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: ticket (used attributively, e.g., "ticket office," "ticket price")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A small piece of paper or card that gives the holder a specified right, especially to enter a place, travel on a public transport system, or participate in an event.
Synonyms: pass, voucher, coupon, stub, admission slip, token
Antonyms: restriction, exclusion, ban, prohibition
Definition 2: A fine or summons issued for a traffic or parking offense.
Synonyms: fine, summons, citation, penalty, infringement notice
Antonyms: acquittal, pardon, dismissal (of charge)
Definition 3: (Politics) A list of candidates in an election, usually representing a single political party.
Synonyms: slate, platform, roster, ballot, lineup
Antonyms: opposition, rival (as in individual candidate)
Definition 4: A label or tag attached to something to show its price, size, or other information.
Synonyms: label, tag, price tag, marker, sticker
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; perhaps "unlabeled" or "unmarked")
Definition 5: (Informal) A proper or sensible thing to do; a right or appropriate course of action. (Often in "that's the ticket")
Synonyms: solution, answer, key, remedy, way (forward)
Antonyms: wrong way, mistake, error, blunder
Verb
Definition 1: To issue a ticket (a fine or summons) to someone for an offense.
Synonyms: fine, cite, penalize, book (informal, police context)
Antonyms: pardon, forgive, excuse, exempt
Definition 2: To mark (an item) with a price tag or label.
Synonyms: price, tag, label, mark, categorize
Antonyms: unmark, remove (tag), delabel
Definition 3: To provide (someone) with a ticket for entry or travel.
Synonyms: issue, furnish (with tickets), book (a seat for someone)
Antonyms: refuse (entry), deny (access)
Definition 4: (Informal, transitive) To guarantee a result or outcome. (Often "ticket to success")
Synonyms: guarantee, ensure, assure, pave the way for
Antonyms: hinder, impede, obstruct, jeopardize
Examples of Use
Books:
"He clutched the golden ticket in his hand, the promise of a fantastical adventure shimmering before him." (Fictional example from a children's fantasy novel, e.g., Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)
"The analysis explored how a strong political ticket is crucial for success in modern presidential elections." (From a non-fiction book on political science)
"She peeled off the price ticket from the antique vase, wondering what its true value might be." (Fictional example from a mystery novel)
Newspapers:
"Demand for concert tickets soared after the international artist announced her Nairobi tour dates." ("The Standard,")
"A motorist received a speeding ticket after being clocked at 120 km/h on Waiyaki Way." ("Daily Nation,")
"The ruling party unveiled its full candidate ticket for the upcoming parliamentary by-election." ("The Star,")
Online Publications:
"How to avoid common mistakes when buying flight tickets online." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., "Skyscanner Blog,")
"Our customer support portal allows you to open a new support ticket for any technical issues." (A feature on a company's support website, e.g., "Safaricom Support,")
"This new online course is your ticket to a career in data science, no prior experience needed." (A promotional headline on an e-learning platform, e.g., "Coursera,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I've got two tickets to paradise!" (Eddie Money, song "Two Tickets to Paradise," 1977; often referenced in films for a celebratory feeling)
Television Series: "Your ticket to survival is hidden somewhere in this abandoned building." (In-game hint or narration in a reality survival show, e.g., Survivor)
Song Lyrics: "One way ticket to the blues." (Eruption, "One Way Ticket," 1978)
Video Games: "Collecting all three golden tickets will unlock the secret level." (In-game objective in a platformer, e.g., Crash Bandicoot)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we're giving away free tickets to our live show in Nairobi!" (A podcast host announcing a competition)
General Public Discourse:
"Do you have your movie ticket ready?" (A common question before entering a cinema)
"I got a parking ticket yesterday for parking in a no-parking zone." (A common complaint)
"That's the ticket! Now you're getting it." (An informal exclamation of understanding or approval)
"We need to buy bus tickets for the trip to Mombasa." (A statement about travel planning)
"What's the price ticket on this shirt?" (Asking for the price of an item)
"His talent is his ticket to success in the music industry." (Describing someone's key to achievement)
10 Quotes Using Ticket
"Buy the ticket, take the ride." (Hunter S. Thompson)
"When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat." (George Carlin)
"Each success only buys an admission ticket to a more difficult problem." (Henry Kissinger)
"You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world." (Tom Bro1kaw)
"Although it's easy to forget sometimes, a share is not a lottery ticket... it's part-ownership of a business." (Peter Lynch)
"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." (Corrie Ten Boom)
"A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works." (Bill Vaughan)
"It doesn't matter if people take the music for free, because you can't illegally download a ticket to a concert." (Joe Bonamassa)
"Be your own hero, it's cheaper than a movie ticket." (Douglas Horton)
"Luck is not as random as you think. Before that lottery ticket won the jackpot, someone had to buy it." (Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration)
Etymology
The word "ticket" has an interesting journey through languages, ultimately coming from a word for "label" or "note."
It comes from the Old French word etiquet (from which we also get "etiquette," as in a "label" for proper behavior). Etiquet meant a "small written note or label."
This Old French word is believed to be of Germanic origin, possibly related to words that mean "to stick" or "to attach," referring to something stuck or attached as a label.
When "ticket" first appeared in English, around the mid-15th century (around 1450), its initial meaning was "a small written note or label." This could be a label indicating price, contents, or ownership.
From this basic meaning, it quickly developed into other related uses:
By the late 15th century, it was used for a "certificate of authorization" or "a pass for entry."
The sense of a "summons for an offense" (like a parking ticket) appeared much later, in the mid-19th century.
The political meaning (a list of candidates) also emerged in the mid-18th century in the US, referring to a "list" of names on a ballot, similar to a labeled list.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Ticket
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "ticket":
That's the ticket! (Informal) Used to express that something is exactly what is needed or desired; that's the correct approach.
Lottery ticket: A slip of paper that gives one a chance to win money in a lottery.
Golden ticket: A highly coveted or rare opportunity (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
One-way ticket: A ticket for a journey to a destination without a return. (Figurative: a path with no return).
Round-trip ticket: A ticket for a journey to a destination and back.
Ticket to ride: (Informal) Permission or means to do something (from The Beatles' song).
Ticket stub: The part of a ticket that is retained after the main portion has been torn off.
Ticket counter/office: A place where tickets are sold.
Season ticket: A ticket that is valid for multiple entries or events over a period.
Face value (of a ticket): The price printed on a ticket, as opposed to what it might be resold for.
To punch one's ticket: (Informal) To achieve a significant milestone or goal, often implying completion or qualification. (Synonymous with "to qualify for")
A fast pass: A special ticket allowing quicker access, usually at theme parks. (Synonym for an expedited "ticket")
Your passport to success: Something that guarantees or enables one's success. (Synonym for "ticket to success")
To get a free pass: To be allowed to avoid criticism or punishment for something. (Related to a "ticket" that allows exemption)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of ticket from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
