1 chess | Definition of chess

chess

noun (1)
\ ˈches How to pronounce chess (audio) \

Definition of chess

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a game for 2 players each of whom moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across a checkerboard and tries to checkmate the opponent's king

chess

noun (2)

Definition of chess (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a weedy annual European bromegrass (Bromus secalinus) widely naturalized in North America as a weed especially in grain
2 : any of several weedy bromegrasses related to chess

Illustration of chess

Illustration of chess

Noun (1)

chessboard with chess pieces arranged as at the beginning of a game

In the meaning defined above

First Known Use of chess

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for chess

Noun (1)

Middle English ches, from Anglo-French escheks, eschés, plural of eschec check at chess — more at check

Noun (2)

origin unknown

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More Definitions for chess

chess

noun
\ ˈches How to pronounce chess (audio) \

Kids Definition of chess

: a game for two players in which each player moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across a checkerboard and tries to place the opponent's king in a position from which it cannot escape

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More from Merriam-Webster on chess

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chess

Spanish Central: Translation of chess

Nglish: Translation of chess for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of chess for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chess