checkoff

1 of 2

noun

check·​off ˈchek-ˌȯf How to pronounce checkoff (audio)
1
a
: the deduction of union dues from a worker's paycheck by the employer
b
: designation on an income tax return of a small amount of money to be applied to a special fund (as for financing political campaigns)
2

check off

2 of 2

verb

checked off; checking off; checks off

transitive verb

1
: to eliminate from further consideration
2
: to deduct (union dues) from a worker's paycheck

intransitive verb

: to change a play at the line of scrimmage in football by calling an audible

Examples of checkoff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The checkoff program has been the target of controversy. Cary Spivak, jsonline.com, 14 Mar. 2025 In that case the union would have been punished with hefty fines and a loss of the dues checkoff. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
Use January to check off those mundane yet essential maintenance tasks that come with being a homeowner. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026 One way to check off both priorities? Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for checkoff

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of checkoff was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Checkoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkoff. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

checkoff

1 of 2 noun
check·​off
1
: the deduction of union dues from a worker's paycheck by the employer
2
: designation on an income tax return of a small amount of money to be applied to a special fund (as for campaign financing)

check off

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to deduct (union dues) from a worker's paycheck
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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