check
noun
\ ˈchek
\
\
Definition of check
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety
with his king in check
2a
: a sudden stoppage of a forward course or progress : arrest
the outbreak of war in 1939 gave a sudden check to the sculptor's work— Herbert Read
b
: a checking of an opposing player (as in ice hockey)
3
: a sudden pause or break in a progression
the invaders coming in without a check
5
: one that arrests, limits, or restrains : restraint
against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance— William Shakespeare
6a
: a standard for testing and evaluation : criterion
b
: examination
a quick check of the engine
c
: inspection, investigation
a loyalty check on government employees
d
: the act of testing or verifying
making a check on the data
also
: the sample or unit used for testing or verifying
7
: a written order directing a bank to pay money as instructed : draft
Do you want to pay in cash, by check, or by credit card?
8a
: a ticket or token showing ownership or identity or indicating payment made
a baggage check
b
: a counter in various games
c
: a slip indicating the amount due : bill
ask the waiter for the check
9 [ Middle English chek, short for cheker checker ]
a
: a pattern in squares that resembles a checkerboard
bordered her plain shower curtain with a check in coordinating bathroom colors
b
: a fabric woven or printed with such a design
Fashionable checks come in all sizes and colors in both twill and square weaves.
10
: a mark typically ✓ placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified
in check
: under restraint or control
trying to keep his emotions in check
check
verb
checked;
checking;
checks
Definition of check (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: to put (a chess king) in check
3a
: to slow or bring to a stop : brake
hastily checked the impulse
b
: to block the progress of (someone, such as a hockey player)
4a
: to restrain or diminish the action or force of : control
tried to thwart or check our purposes in the legislature
b
: to slack or ease off (a rope) and then belay again
5a
: to compare with a source, original, or authority : verify
needs to check her facts
b
: to inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly or appreciatively
—usually used with out or over The doctors checked him over for injuries.checking out new carsAnd so no, I won't help you to find a way to check out women in front of your wife.— Amy Dickinson
c
: to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory
—often used with off checked off each item
d
: to look at (something) to obtain information
checking a watch to see the time check a map/schedule
e
: to look or reach into (something) to find what is there
Harry glanced around at Fred, who was looking anxious and checking his pockets.— J. K. Rowling
f
: to access (e-mail, voice mail, etc.) to find out if there are messages
kept checking her voice mail throughout the day
6a
: to consign (something, such as luggage) to a common carrier from which one has purchased a passenger ticket
checked our bags before boarding
b
: to ship or accept for shipment under such a consignment
7
: to mark into squares : checker
check the cloth
8
: to leave or accept for safekeeping in a checkroom
check a coat
9
: to make checks or chinks : cause to crack
the sun checks timber
1a
of a dog
: to stop in a chase especially when scent is lost
b
: to halt through caution, uncertainty, or fear : stop
the train checked with a jolt— B. A. Williams
2a
: to investigate conditions
checked on the passengers' safety
b
: to prove to be consistent or truthful
the description checks with the photograph
—often used with out the story checked out
c
: to look at or in something to see or find what is there
check for messages on a cell phone
3
: to draw a check on a bank
4
: to waive the right to initiate the betting in a round of poker
check into
check that
check up on
1
: to check in at
check into a hotel
2
: investigate
the police are checking into his alibi
informal
—used to take back or correct a previous statement "Sir, I don't know why but there must be a foot or two of water coming down Claiborne. No, check that—three feet."— Christopher Cooper and Robert Block
: investigate
check up on a possible investment
check
interjectionDefinition of check (Entry 3 of 3)
—used to express assent or agreement