Check Definition

chĕk

checked, checking, checks

noun

checks

A sudden stop; abrupt halt.

Webster's New World

A test, comparison, examination, etc. to determine if something is as it should be.

Webster's New World

A check mark.

American Heritage

A person or thing that restrains or controls.

Webster's New World

A standard or sample used in making such a determination.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

interjection

Agreed; I understand; right; OK.

Webster's New World

Used to signify that one's opponent's king is in check.

Webster's New World

Used to express agreement or understanding.

American Heritage

verb

checked, checking, checks

To agree with one another, item for item.

The accounts check.

Webster's New World

To investigate in order to determine the condition, validity, etc. of something.

Webster's New World

To verify by consulting a source or authority.

Checked her facts before speaking; check a spelling in the dictionary.

American Heritage

To rebuff, repulse, or rebuke.

Webster's New World

To hold back; restrain; control.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

adjective

Used to check or verify.

A check experiment.

Webster's New World

Having a crisscross pattern; checked.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

abbreviation

Abbr. Not sufficient funds check. A check that a drawee bank may not pay because the drawer has insufficient funds on deposit to cover it when it is presented for payment. See also check kiting.

Webster's New World Law

idiom

check in

to register at a hotel, convention, etc.
to report, as by presenting oneself
check in at the office

Webster's New World

check off

to mark as verified, examined, etc.

Webster's New World

check out

to settle one's bill and leave a hotel, hospital, etc.
to add up the prices of purchases and collect the total

Webster's New World

check up on

to examine the record, character, actions, etc. of; investigate

Webster's New World

in check

in restraint; under control

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Check

Noun

Singular:

check

Plural:

checks

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Check

Origin of Check

Middle English chek check in chess from Old French eschec from Arabic šāh from Persian king, check shah

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition