checkerboard

noun

check·​er·​board ˈche-kər-ˌbȯrd 

1

: a board used in various games (such as checkers) with usually 64 squares in 2 alternating colors

2

: something that has a pattern or arrangement like a checkerboard

Examples of checkerboard in a Sentence

The fields formed a checkerboard of light and dark squares.

Recent Examples on the Web

From classic checkerboard to bold geometric designs, this trend has had a chokehold on bathroom design over the past few years. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 31 Dec. 2025

This mix-and-match set features checkerboard, aura, and heart designs with 3D embellishments, all pulled together with the coordinating color scheme. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025

This pick comes approved by commerce editor Audrey Lee, who was over the checkerboard trend until this peekaboo moment pulled her back in. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025

Stack 4 of the slices on top of each other, cut sides down, alternating to form a checkerboard pattern and brushing with egg white between layers. —Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for checkerboard

• clavichord
• fiberboard
• fibreboard
• fingerboard
• harpsichord
• motherboard
• notochord
• overboard
• overlord
• paperboard
• plasterboard
• shuffleboard

Kids Definition

checkerboard

noun

check·​er·​board -ˌbō(ə)rd 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

: a board used in games and marked with 64 squares in two colors