Check Definition and Meaning
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on February 29, 2024
"Check" means to examine, inspect, or verify something to ensure accuracy, condition, or compliance. e.g., She will check her answers before submitting the test.
Table of Contents
Check Definitions
Narrow Margin: Close refers to a small gap or difference.
The election was won by a close margin.
Examine for Accuracy: Check means to examine something to ensure correctness.
Always check your work for mistakes.
Stop or Restrain: Check involves stopping or holding back something.
The goalie can check the ball's movement.
Verify or Confirm: Check means to verify or confirm information.
He will check the availability of the hotel rooms.
Inspect or Review: Check involves inspecting or reviewing something thoroughly.
The mechanic will check the car's engine.
Mark for Attention or Action: Check can mean marking something for attention.
Check the items you wish to purchase.
Consignment for Storage: Check involves consigning luggage for storage.
Check your bags at the airport counter.
Written Order for Payment: Check refers to a written order directing a bank to pay money.
She wrote a check for her groceries.
Control or Limit: Check means to control or limit something.
You need to check your spending habits.
Ticket Validation: Check refers to validating a ticket, as at an event.
They will check tickets at the entrance.
Pattern of Squares: Check also refers to a pattern of squares.
He wore a shirt with a blue check pattern.
The act or an instance of inspecting or testing something, as for accuracy or quality
Gave the paper a final check.
A standard for inspecting or evaluating; a test
The condition of the wiring can serve as a check for the level of the seller's home maintenance.
A check mark.
A ticket or slip of identification
A baggage check.
A bill at a restaurant or bar.
A chip or counter used in gambling.
Something that stops or slows down motion, action, or expression; a restraint
Heavy rains were a check on the army's advance.
The condition of being stopped or held back; restraint
Kept my temper in check.
Holding agricultural pests in check with sprays.
A stopping or slowing down of something
"The medicines ... gave a check to the disorder that was destroying him" (Richard Henry Dana).
(Sports) The act of blocking or impeding an opponent with the puck in ice hockey, either with one's body or one's stick.
A written order to a bank to pay the amount specified from funds on deposit; a draft.
A pattern of small squares, as on a chessboard.
One of the squares of such a pattern.
A fabric patterned with squares
A dress of pale green check.
A move in chess that directly attacks an opponent's king but does not constitute a checkmate.
The position or condition of a king so attacked.
A small crack; a chink.
(Games) Used to declare that a chess opponent's king is in check.
(Informal) Used to express agreement or understanding.
To inspect so as to determine accuracy, quality, or other condition; test
Checked the brakes for wear.
Checked the paper for misspellings.
To verify by consulting a source or authority
Checked her facts before speaking.
Check a spelling in the dictionary.
To put a check mark on or next to
Checked off each item on the list.
To arrest or slow the motion or progress of
Checked the flow by shutting a valve.
To hold in restraint; curb
Check an impulse to laugh.
(Baseball) To stop (the swing of the bat) in an attempt to avoid swinging at a pitch that is out of the strike zone
The batter checked his swing, and the pitch was called a ball.
(Sports) To block or impede (an opposing player with the ball or puck), as in ice hockey, by using one's body or one's stick.
To deposit or consign for safekeeping or shipment
Checked his coat at the door.
Checked my bags and boarded the plane.
(Games) To move in chess so as to put (an opponent's king) under direct attack.
To make cracks or chinks in
Sunlight dried and checked the paint.
To make an examination or investigation; inquire
Phoned to check on the departure time.
Checked into the rumor.
To be verified or confirmed; pass inspection
The suspect's story checked out.
To agree point for point; correspond
The fingerprints checked with the ones on file.
(Sports) To block or impede an opposing player with the ball or puck, as in ice hockey.
To come to an abrupt halt; stop
The soldiers rushed into the room but checked when they saw their commander.
To write a check on a bank account.
To undergo cracking in a pattern of checks, as paint does.
To place a chess opponent's king in check.
In certain card games, to announce that one is declining the option of making a bet.
To pause to relocate a scent. Used of hunting dogs.
To abandon the proper game and follow baser prey. Used of trained falcons.
(chess) A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece. 14
An inspection or examination.
I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.
A control; a limit or stop.
Checks and balances
The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.
(US) A mark (especially a checkmark: ✓) used as an indicator.
(US) An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity.
I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.
(US) A bill, particularly in a restaurant.
I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.
A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.
The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.
A token used instead of cash in gaming machines, or in gambling generally.
A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
A mark, certificate, or token by which errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.
A check given for baggage
A return check on a railroad
(falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. 15
A small chink or crack.
A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
The tablecloth had red and white checks.
Any fabric woven with such a pattern.
To inspect; to examine.
Check the oil in your car once a month.
Check whether this page has a watermark.
To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or verified as correct or satisfactory).
Check the items on the list that interest you.
Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).
Check the correct answer to each question.
To control, limit, or halt.
Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.
To verify or compare with a source of information.
Check your data against known values.
To leave in safekeeping.
Check your hat and coat at the door.
To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.
Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.
To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.
He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.
That basket doesn't count—you forgot to check!
(sports) To disrupt another player with the stick or body to obtain possession of the ball or puck.
The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.
(poker) To announce that one is remaining in a hand without betting.
Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.
(chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's king in check; to put in check.
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
(nautical) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.
The sun checks timber.
To make a stop; to pause; with at.
(obsolete) To clash or interfere.
To act as a curb or restraint.
(falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
(transitive) To mark with a check pattern.
(heraldry) Divided into small squares (chequers) by transverse vertical and horizontal lines.
A word of warning denoting that the king is in danger; such a menace of a player's king by an adversary's move as would, if it were any other piece, expose it to immediate capture. A king so menaced is said to be in check, and must be made safe at the next move.
A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity.
No check, no stay, this streamlet fears.
Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff.
Useful check upon the administration of government.
A man whom no check could abash.
A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified; as, checks placed against items in an account; a check given for baggage; a return check on a railroad.
A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
A woven or painted design in squares resembling the patten of a checkerboard; one of the squares of such a design; also, cloth having such a figure.
The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
Small chick or crack.
To make a move which puts an adversary's piece, esp. his king, in check; to put in check.
To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb.
So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression.
To verify, to guard, to make secure, by means of a mark, token, or other check; to distinguish by a check; to put a mark against (an item) after comparing with an original or a counterpart in order to secure accuracy.
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
The good king, his master, will check him for it.
To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber.
To leave (something) in the temporary custody of another; as, to check baggage; to check one's firearms at the door; to check one's coat at the cloakroom.
To accept (something) for temporary custody from another; as, to check a customer's baggage; to check a customer's coat.
To make a checkered pattern upon.
To make a stop; to pause; - with at.
The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after.
To clash or interfere.
To act as a curb or restraint.
It [his presence] checks too strong upon me.
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
And like the haggard, check at every featherThat comes before his eye.
Checkered; designed in checks.
A written order directing a bank to pay money;
He paid all his bills by check
An appraisal of the state of affairs;
They made an assay of the contents
A check on its dependability under stress
The bill in a restaurant;
He asked the waiter for the check
The state of inactivity following an interruption;
The negotiations were in arrest
Held them in check
During the halt he got some lunch
The momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow
He spent the entire stop in his seat
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
The act of inspecting or verifying;
They made a check of their equipment
The pilot ran through the check-out procedure
A mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.;
As he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
A mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
A textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard);
She wore a skirt with checks
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
Examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition;
Check the brakes
Check out the engine
Make an examination or investigation;
Check into the rumor
Check the time of the class
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution;
She checked for an instant and missed a step
Put a check mark on or next to;
Please check each name on the list
Tick off the items
Slow the growth or development of;
The brain damage will retard the child's language development
Be verified or confirmed; pass inspection;
These stories don't check!
Be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics;
The two stories don't agree in many details
The handwriting checks with the signature on the check
The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun
Block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Consign for shipment on a vehicle;
Check your luggage before boarding
Hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping;
Check your coat at the door
Abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey, of falcons
Stop in a chase especially when scent is lost;
The dog checked
Mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
Decline to initiate betting
Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of;
Arrest the downward trend
Check the growth of communism in Sout East Asia
Contain the rebel movement
Turn back the tide of communism
Place into check;
He checked my kings
Write out a check on a bank account
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Verify by consulting a source or authority;
Check the spelling of this word
Check your facts
Arrest the motion (of something) abruptly;
He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve
Make cracks or chinks in;
The heat checked the paint
Become fractured; break or crack on the surface only;
The glass cracked when it was heated
Check Snonyms
Examine
To look at closely in order to observe or inspect.
The doctor examined the patient thoroughly.
Audit
To conduct a systematic review of records, an account, or financial information to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards.
The company's accounts were audited at the end of the fiscal year.
Assess
To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
The teacher assessed the students' understanding of the topic.
Control
To test or verify (a scientific experiment) by a parallel experiment or other standard of comparison.
The study's results were controlled against baseline data.
Inspect
To look at (something) carefully in order to learn more about it, to find problems, etc.
The teacher inspected the students' projects.
Verify
To make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified.
She verified the account details before processing the payment.
Monitor
To watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose.
They monitored the patient's heart rate.
Review
To go over or examine critically or deliberately.
He reviewed the manuscript for any errors.
Scrutinize
To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
The committee scrutinized the proposal before approving it.
Survey
To look over and examine closely.
The architect surveyed the building site before drawing the plans.
Check Idioms & Phrases
Check yourself
To take a moment to consider your actions or words before proceeding.
You better check yourself before responding angrily to that email.
Keep in check
To keep something under control or limit it.
It's important to keep your emotions in check during a negotiation.
Reality check
A moment of realizing the truth of a situation, often different from what was believed or hoped.
Losing the match served as a reality check for the overconfident team.
Blank check
Giving someone unrestricted freedom of action or unlimited authority.
The investor gave the startup a blank check to develop the new technology.
Check in on
To visit or contact someone to ensure they are okay.
I'll check in on my grandmother this weekend to see how she's doing.
Check over
To examine something carefully to ensure it's correct or in good condition.
Can you check over my report for any errors?
Check off
To mark an item as done on a list.
She checked off the last item on her to-do list with satisfaction.
Check-up
An examination to ensure something is in good condition or working correctly.
He went to the doctor for a routine health check-up.
Check and balance
A system that ensures different parts of an organization or government do not exceed their authority.
The judicial system acts as a check and balance on the powers of the executive branch.
Check out
To investigate or look into something; also used when leaving a hotel or completing a purchase.
You should check out that new coffee shop downtown.
Check against
To compare something with a standard or expected result.
Check the measurements against the blueprint.
Rain check
An informal agreement to do something at a later time.
I can't make it tonight, but can I take a rain check?
Check into
To investigate or research something.
We need to check into the legal requirements for the new project.
In check
Under control or restraint.
He kept his anger in check during the heated discussion.
Check out from
To disengage from a situation, often mentally.
After hours of working, he checked out from the meeting and stopped paying attention.
Check for
To look to see if something is present or correct.
Check for any spelling errors before submitting the document.
Cross-check
To verify the accuracy of something by comparing it with another source.
Cross-check the data with the original survey results.
Check back
To return to a place, situation, or topic to see if anything has changed or to get more information.
I'll check back with you next week for your decision.
Write a check your body can't cash
To make promises or commitments that one cannot fulfill.
Be careful not to write a check your body can't cash by overcommitting to too many projects.
Check with someone
To verify or consult with another person about something.
Check with the manager before you make any changes to the schedule.
Check Example Sentences
I need to check the recipe one more time.
Remember to check the oil level in your car.
Can you check if the mail has arrived?
He asked the waiter to bring the check.
You should check your answers before submitting the quiz.
They decided to check out of the hotel early.
She went to check on the sleeping baby.
Please check your email for the confirmation.
The coach will check the players' equipment.
Check your pockets for your keys.
The teacher will check the assignments tomorrow.
Let's check the map for directions.
The librarian will check books in and out.
She wanted to check the sale prices.
Check the weather forecast before going on the hike.
Common Curiosities
How is check used in a sentence?
Example: Please check your email for the confirmation.
How many syllables are in check?
There is one syllable in check.
How do we divide check into syllables?
As a single-syllable word, check is not divided into syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in check?
In check, the entire word forms a single stressed syllable.
What is the verb form of check?
The verb form is to check.
What is the pronunciation of check?
Check is pronounced as /tʃɛk/.
What is the second form of check?
The second form (past tense) of check is checked.
Why is it called check?
Check originates from the Persian word shah, meaning king, used in chess. It later evolved in Middle English to mean a stop or control, reflecting its current meanings.
What is the first form of check?
The first form (base form) of check is check.
What is another term for check?
Another term for check is verify or inspect.
What is the root word of check?
The root word of check is the Persian shah.
Is check an abstract noun?
Check is not an abstract noun; it refers to concrete actions or objects.
Is the word check imperative?
Check can be used in the imperative form, e.g., Check the results.
Which determiner is used with check?
Determiners like the, a, this, that can be used with check.
What part of speech is check?
Check can be a verb, noun, or in some contexts, an adjective.
What is the singular form of check?
The singular form is check.
Is check a noun or adjective?
Check is primarily a verb and a noun; it is less commonly used as an adjective.
Is check a collective noun?
Check is not typically a collective noun.
Is the word check Gerund?
Checking is the gerund form of the verb check.
Is the word “check” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Check as a verb can act on direct objects, e.g., He checked the document.
Is check a negative or positive word?
Check is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Is check a vowel or consonant?
Check is a word consisting of both vowels and consonants.
Is the check term a metaphor?
Check can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
Which preposition is used with check?
Prepositions like for, on, with can be used with check.
Which article is used with check?
Both definite (the) and indefinite (a, an) articles can be used with check, depending on context.
What is the plural form of check?
The plural form is checks.
Is check an adverb?
Check is not an adverb.
Is check a countable noun?
As a noun, check is countable.
What is the third form of check?
The third form (past participle) of check is checked.
What is the opposite of check?
The opposite of check could be ignore or overlook.
Which vowel is used before check?
The choice of vowel before check depends on the sentence; there's no specific rule.
Which conjunction is used with check?
Conjunctions like and, but, or while can be used with check.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
