chess

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈches 

: a game for 2 players each of whom moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across a checkerboard and tries to checkmate the opponent's king

Illustration of chess

• chessboard with chess pieces arranged as at the beginning of a game

chess

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: a weedy annual European bromegrass (Bromus secalinus) widely naturalized in North America as a weed especially in grain

2

: any of several weedy bromegrasses related to chess

Examples of chess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The game is determined by the players on the field, but the chess match between the best offensive play-calling head coach and the best defensive play-calling head coach will be a fascinating one. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Today, that same student is thriving—on the dance team, the chess team and actively engaged. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

Justice Elena Kagan brought up the issue of chess clubs in school. —Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026

Naroditsky had built a career from his chess success, teaching the game, streaming online to thousands of fans, and even, in 2022, being named the New York Times’ chess columnist. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chesse, ches, esches, borrowed from Anglo-French escheks, eschez "game of chess" — more at check entry 2

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chess

• chess pie

Rhymes for chess

• bless
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse
• mess

Kids Definition

chess

noun

ˈches

: a game for two players each of whom plays with 16 pieces on a checkerboard

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ches "game of chess," from early French eschés (same meaning), literally, "checks," from eschec "check" — related to check, checker