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

Upstairs, the kitchen features a rainbow motif and original checkerboard floor; hallways bear a kaleidoscope of wallpaper prints; and Martin’s office (The Download Den) has a custom intarsia rug inspired by Italian churches. —Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026

The classic checkerboard gets a romantic refresh with a wash of pastel hues and fluid, freeform swirls that soften its graphic edge. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

The dramatic checkerboard floors beg to be used in a story of Machiavellian plotting and/or black-and-white morality. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

Welch loves using 4-by-4-inch tiles laid in a checkerboard pattern, but not in the usual black-and-white. —Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

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