a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
"He realized he had left his train ticket at home, so he couldn't board the next service."
a summons issued to an offender (especially to someone who violates a traffic regulation)
"The officer handed me a ticket after I ran a red light at the intersection."
the appropriate or desirable thing
"this car could be just the ticket for a small family"
A pass entitling the holder to admission to a show, concert, etc.
"I still have my ticket for tonight's concert in my pocket."
In plain English: A ticket is a small piece of paper that lets you enter an event or ride on public transportation.
"I bought a ticket to see the concert last night."
To issue someone a ticket, as for travel or for a violation of a local or traffic law.
"The police officer pulled over my car and issued me a ticket for running a red light."
In plain English: To ticket someone means to give them an official notice saying they broke a rule and will have to pay a fine.
"We need to ticket your bags before you can board the plane."
Usage: Use this verb when an authority figure formally issues a penalty notice to a driver or passenger for breaking rules. It specifically refers to the act of handing over a citation rather than simply writing one down informally.
The word ticket entered English in the Middle Ages via Middle Scots and French, originally referring to a bill or label. Its root meaning relates to sticking something onto an object, derived from Germanic words for piercing or being sharp.