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

Her style is instantly recognizable, with vibrant, warm colors offset by high contrast black and white checkerboard patterns. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026

This set features funky florals and a Kelly green checkerboard print. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

The apartment’s floor is a central element of its decor; natural black parquet is laid in a checkerboard pattern. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026

Specifically, the Sweetwaters don’t have the same finicky snowpack and checkerboard of Designated Wilderness as the Sierra Nevada. —Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 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