checked; checking; checks
1
a
: 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 cars
And so no, I won't help you to find a way to check out women in front of your wife.—
Amy Dickinson
Amy Dickinson
b
: to compare with a source, original, or authority : verify
needs to check her facts
c
: to look at (something) to obtain information
checking a watch to see the time
check a map/schedule
d
: 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
J. K. Rowling
e
: to access (email, voicemail, etc.) to find out if there are messages
kept checking her voice mail throughout the day
f
: to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory
—often used with off
checked off each item
2
a
: to slow or bring to a stop : brake
hastily checked the impulse
b
: to block the progress of (someone, such as a hockey player)
3
: to leave or accept for safekeeping in a checkroom
check a coat
4
a
: 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
5
a
: 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
6
: to mark into squares : checker
check the cloth
7
: to put (a chess king) in check
8
: to make checks or chinks : cause to crack
the sun checks timber
1
a
: 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 outThe story checked out.
c
: to look at or in something to see or find what is there
check for messages on a cell phone
2
a
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
B. A. Williams3
: to draw a check on a bank
4
: to waive the right to initiate the betting in a round of poker
1
a
: examination
a quick check of the engine
b
: the act of testing or verifying
making a check on the data
also
: the sample or unit used for testing or verifying
c
: inspection, investigation
a loyalty check on government employees
d
: a standard for testing and evaluation : criterion
2
: 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?
3
: one that arrests, limits, or restrains : restraint
… against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance …—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare4
a
: 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
Herbert Read
b
: a checking of an opposing player (as in ice hockey)
5
: a sudden pause or break in a progression
the invaders coming in without a check
6
7
: a mark typically ✓ placed beside an item to show it has been noted, examined, or verified
8
: exposure of a chess king to an attack from which he must be protected or moved to safety
with his king in check
9
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.
—used to express assent or agreement
Phrases
check into
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
Christopher Cooper and Robert Block
: investigate
check up on a possible investment
: under restraint or control
trying to keep his emotions in check
Examples of check in a Sentence
Verb
Make sure to check your spelling.
She checked her makeup in the mirror.
We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly.
The guards checked my passport.
He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon.
I'll just check the map to see where we are.
I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts.
If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer.
I checked his office but he wasn't there.
If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet.
Noun
Please give the schedule a check to see if the times are correct.
I gave the ingredients list a quick check to see if the cereal contained any sugar.
She ran a quick check of the computer to make sure it was working properly.
The police ran a check on the license plate and found out that the car had been stolen.
He was penalized for an illegal check.
He made out the check to me and signed it, and I deposited it in my account.
Do you want to pay in cash, by check, or by credit card?
a fabric with a blue and yellow check
Recent Examples on the Web
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
The case is also coming before a Supreme Court that has thus far been reluctant to check to Trump’s wide-ranging use of executive powers.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Based on Boss’ checks, the TJX thesis is still alive and well.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for check
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Will California check Trump’s redistricting moves?
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
The case is also coming before a Supreme Court that has thus far been reluctant to check to Trump’s wide-ranging use of executive powers.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
Another key feature is a red-check capsule collection.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Based on Boss’ checks, the TJX thesis is still alive and well.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for check
Cite this Entry
“Check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/check. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
check
1 of 2 noun1
: the exposing of a chess king to attack
2
: a sudden stopping of progress
3
: something that delays, stops, or holds back : restraint
5
: a written order telling a bank to pay out money from a person's or company's account to the one named on the order
pay a bill by check
cash a check
6
a
: a ticket or token that shows that the bearer has a claim to something
a baggage check
b
: a slip of paper showing the amount due : bill
7
a
: a pattern of squares
b
: a fabric with such a design
8
: a mark ✓ placed beside an item to show it has been noted
check
2 of 2 verb1
: to put a chess king in check
2
a
: to bring to a stop
to check an impulse
b
: to come to a stop
4
a
: to make sure that something is correct or satisfactory
check your blood pressure
check it out with a teacher
b
: to inspect, examine, or look at
checking out new cars
checked over the damage
5
: to mark with a check
check the first item
6
: to mark with squares : checker
7
: to leave or accept for safekeeping or for shipment
check baggage
8
: to be the same on every point : tally
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