Definition of checkered
1
: marked by alternating squares of different colors, shades, or materials
a checkered fabric checkered tablecloths
— see also checkered flag
2
: marked by alternation or contrast of fortune
… the best album of his checkered career— Mark Coleman
especially
: marked by many problems or failures
… had a checkered past that included convictions for battery and tax evasion. — Charlotte Triggs et al.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for checkered
The first known use of checkered was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century