checkerboard

noun check·er·board \ -ˌbȯrd \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of checkerboard

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

See checkerboard defined for English-language learners

See checkerboard defined for kids

Examples of checkerboard in a Sentence

The fields formed a checkerboard of light and dark squares.

Recent Examples of checkerboard from the Web

Cunning: Negan’s ability to play chess when his opponents are stuck on the checkerboard has become his most defining quality.

— nick statt, The Verge, "The Walking Dead Villain Watch season 8, episode 15: Worth," 9 Apr. 2018
Loons are indeed an elegant species, with black caps, red eyes and black-and-white checkerboard bodies.

— chelsey lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Great Wisconsin Birdathon takes flight during Year of the Bird," 5 Apr. 2018
The SUVs are white, with the lower part of the doors stamped with two rows of dark blue and gray checkerboard.

— chicagotribune.com, "Inspirations behind the design of Chicago police's new cruiser? Jim Morrison and a retro sensibility," 13 Mar. 2018
The June race to represent San Francisco’s District Eight — a checkerboard of upscale neighborhoods that includes the Castro, Noe Valley and Glen Park — was supposed to pit a low-key, centrist incumbent against a progressive outsider.

— rachel swan, San Francisco Chronicle, "Who’s who in the District 8 race — Sheehy, Mandelman impersonate each other," 8 Mar. 2018
No, think instead of DC-3s with 21 seats and tablecloth service, of lazing along at a sensible 8,000 feet over a checkerboard of farms and sprawl-less little towns.

— david wondrich, Esquire, "How to Make an Aviation Cocktail," 21 Feb. 2018
After one restoration, another: a bowl of abalone juk at Mountain Cafe, a checkerboard of banchan stretching across the table.

— amy scattergood, latimes.com, "The bather: A journey by water, with porridge and barley tea, through 9 Koreatown spas," 15 Feb. 2018
The one-two combo of Van’s hottest sneaker model (the Old Skool) and the brand’s buzziest print (the checkerboard) make for one swervy sneaker that let's any guy embrace his inner skate rat/ska fan/A$AP mob member.

— tyler watamanuk, GQ, "Vans Classic Checkered Sneakers Just Got a 2018 Upgrade," 14 Feb. 2018
Many pieces will be instantly recognizable, with black- and-white checkerboard likely to trend soon.

— rhonda richford, The Hollywood Reporter, "Maria Grazia Chiuri Tries On Surrealism For Latest Dior Couture Outing," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'checkerboard.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of checkerboard

1775

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

CHECKERBOARD Defined for English Language Learners

checkerboard

noun

Definition of checkerboard for English Language Learners

: a board that is marked with squares of two different colors (such as white and black) and that is used in various games (such as checkers)
: something that has a pattern or arrangement of squares that looks like a checkerboard

CHECKERBOARD Defined for Kids

checkerboard

noun check·er·board \ ˈche-kər-ˌbȯrd \

Definition of checkerboard for Students

: a board marked with 64 squares in two colors and used for games (as checkers)

Learn More about checkerboard

See words that rhyme with checkerboard Spanish Central: Translation of checkerboard Nglish: Translation of checkerboard for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up checkerboard? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard

Examples of checkerboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples of checkerboard from the Web

First Known Use of checkerboard

CHECKERBOARD Defined for English Language Learners

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard for English Language Learners

CHECKERBOARD Defined for Kids

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard for Students

Learn More about checkerboard

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

mollycoddle

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard

Examples of checkerboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples of checkerboard from the Web

First Known Use of checkerboard

CHECKERBOARD Defined for English Language Learners

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard for English Language Learners

CHECKERBOARD Defined for Kids

checkerboard

Definition of checkerboard for Students

Learn More about checkerboard

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

All the Hits

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes