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
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
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
3
: 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
4
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
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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