gut check

noun

: a test or assessment of courage, character, or determination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web For Kevin Yahampath, 23, a business analyst, choosing between Mr. Johnson and Mr. Vallas required a last-minute gut check. Julie Bosman, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2023 Tuesday doesn’t end this season, but this is not the time of year for gut checks. Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Mar. 2023 Start with a gut check on your emotions. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 28 Sep. 2022 Just a real gut check. Dave Kallmann, Journal Sentinel, 2 July 2022 This will be a gut check moment for both teams. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2021 On this episode of the Fifth & Mission podcast, Heather Knight and Joe Garofoli join Cecilia Lei to talk about the latest gut check over how the city addresses housing issues, and the implications the controversy is creating in races for statewide office. Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Nov. 2021 At the end of the day, a gut check, a gritty performance to play that well. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2023 The loss, their first in regulation at home this season (19-1-3), provided the Black and Gold something of a gut check. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gut check.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gut check was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near gut check

Cite this Entry

“Gut check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gut%20check. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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