checked; checking; checks
Definition of check
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a : to inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly or appreciatively
—usually used with out or overThe doctors checked him over for injuries.checking out new carsAnd 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, voice mail, 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 offchecked off each item
2a : 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
4a : 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
5a : 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
1a : 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
2a 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
check into check that check up on
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
: investigate check up on a possible investment
check
nounDefinition of check (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : 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
4a : 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
6a : a slip indicating the amount due : bill Ask the waiter for the check.
b : a ticket or token showing ownership or identity or indicating payment made
a baggage check
c : a counter in various games
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
[Middle English chek, short for cheker checker]
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.
in check
: under restraint or control
trying to keep his emotions in check
check
interjectionDefinition of check (Entry 3 of 3)
—used to express assent or agreement
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Time Traveler for check
The first known use of check was in the 14th century
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