bed check

noun

: a night inspection to check the presence of persons (such as soldiers) required by regulations to be in bed or in quarters

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bed check was in 1917

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bed check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bed%20check. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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