check
/t͡ʃɛk/ · check
noun
- A written order directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money to the holder. She signed a check for $200 to pay the contractor.
- An inspection or examination to verify correctness or condition. Give the engine a quick check before the road trip.
- In chess, a situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece. After the bishop moved, the black king was placed in check.
- A control, limit, or restraining condition. The new regulations keep emissions in check.
- A pattern of squares of alternating colors, as on a fabric or board. He wore a shirt with a bold red and white check.
verb
- To examine or inspect something carefully. Please check the spelling before you submit the report.
- To restrain or keep under control. She tried to check his enthusiasm with a calm tone.
- To mark with a checkmark to indicate approval or completion. He checked off each item on the grocery list.
adjective
- Having a pattern of squares of alternating colors; checkered. The kitchen floor was covered in a classic black‑and‑white check.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word ‘check’ entered English via the chess term, which itself comes from Persian ‘shah’ meaning ‘king’; the phrase ‘checkmate’ literally means ‘the king is dead.’