checkpoint

noun

check·​point ˈchek-ˌpȯint 

: a point at which a check is performed

vehicles were inspected at various checkpoints

Examples of checkpoint in a Sentence

Our car was stopped at a police checkpoint before we were permitted to cross the border.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2021 5,972 firearms were intercepted at airports, in 2022 6,542 firearms were stopped at checkpoints, while 2023 saw 6,737 firearms discovered in carry-on luggage. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

The apparent lack of checkpoints was just one aspect of a law enforcement response that many found lacking. —Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025

Each exercise in the book includes clear instructions on how to perform it, common mistakes to avoid, checkpoints for progress, and specific goals to achieve. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint within city limits starting Friday night, the agency said in a news release. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for checkpoint

• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint
• midpoint
• nonpoint
• pinpoint
• standpoint
• viewpoint

Kids Definition

checkpoint

noun

check·​point ˈchek-ˌpȯint 

: a point at which a check is carried out

vehicles were inspected at different checkpoints

Legal Definition

checkpoint

noun

check·​point

: a point at which an inspection or investigation is performed

a checkpoint to uncover drunk drivers