Check
volume
British pronunciation/t‍ʃˈɛk/
American pronunciation/ˈtʃɛk/

Definition & Meaning of "check"

to check
01

to keep something bad under control in order to prevent deterioration or to slow down its spread or development

Transitive: to check something undesirable
to check definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
He wrapped a bandage tightly around his sprained ankle to check the swelling.
The vaccine was administered to check the spread of the virus.
The doctor recommended medication to check the progression of the illness.
1.1

to suddenly realize it is better if something is left unsaid or undone

Transitive: to check oneself
example
Example
click on words
Tom was about to make a sarcastic comment but checked himself when he noticed his boss in the room.
He almost revealed the surprise party but checked himself just in time.
Instead of mentioning their past mistakes, she checked herself and focused on the future.
1.2

to keep one's reactions or emotions in control

Transitive: to check reactions or emotions
example
Example
click on words
She could n't check her tears from flowing at the funeral.
They had to check their fear as they entered the haunted house.
She could n't check her surprise when she saw the unexpected gift.
02

to discover information about something or someone by looking, asking, or investigating

Transitive: to check sth
Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
I 'll check the weather forecast to see if it's going to rain tomorrow.
Let me check the train schedule to find the next available departure.
I think the store closes at 8 PM, but I 'll check their website for the exact hours.
2.1

to see if one has any new mail, messages, or notifications

Transitive: to check an inbox
example
Example
click on words
I 'll check my email to see if there are any important messages.
He checked his phone for any missed calls or text messages.
Before leaving, she checked her mailbox for any letters or packages.
2.2

to talk to someone to get their approval or information about something

Intransitive: to check with sb
Transitive: to check sth with sb
example
Example
click on words
He 's going to check with his manager before approving the budget
He will check with his supervisor before making any changes to the project.
Before I can give you an answer, I 'll have to check that with our legal team
2.3

to carefully examine something to find problems, mistakes, or make sure that it is satisfactory

Transitive: to check sth
to check definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
Before submitting your essay, make sure to check it for spelling and grammar mistakes.
I always check the ingredients on food labels to see if there are any allergens.
The mechanic will check your car's engine to find out why it's making that strange noise.
03

to mark an item or option with a cross, circle, etc. in a form, survey, exam paper, etc.

Transitive: to check an item or option
example
Example
click on words
You can check the boxes next to the items you wish to purchase.
Do n't forget to check the box if you want to receive email updates.
Students are reminded to check the correct answers on their test papers.
04

to leave one's baggage, coat, etc. in a designated place while visiting a restaurant, bar, etc.

Transitive: to check one's baggage or belongings
example
Example
click on words
Let 's check our bags at the coat check before heading into the theater.
We should check our jackets so we can dine comfortably.
The hostess asked, " May I take your umbrella to check? "
4.1

(of passengers) to give one's baggage to the transport company one is traveling with for secure transportation

Transitive: to check one's luggage
example
Example
click on words
The airline allows you to check your bags online before arriving at the airport.
If your backpack is too heavy, you 'll need to check it before boarding the flight.
I always check my backpack with the cruise line when taking a cruise vacation.
4.2

to collect and label passengers' luggage for transport

Transitive: to check luggage
example
Example
click on words
The airline attendant checked my bag and issued my boarding pass at the counter.
The airport staff will check your luggage and ensure it gets on the plane.
The airline checked our suitcases, and we received claim tickets for them.
05

used to make someone become aware of, pay attention to, or focus on something

Transitive: to check sth
example
Example
click on words
Hey, check these photos from our trip; they came out great!
You should check this book; it's an interesting read.
Hey, check this!
06

to be confirmed as accurate or true, typically used in negative statements

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
His alibi did n't check, so he was considered a suspect in the robbery case.
The witness 's testimony did n't check with the evidence presented in court.
The data from the experiment did n't check, raising doubts about its validity.
07

(in chess) to threaten the opponent's king with capture

Transitive: to check the opponent's king
example
Example
click on words
The knight 's move checked the king's position.
I need to find a way to check the opponent's king and protect my own.
She moved her knight to check the opponent's king.
08

to pass the action to the next player without making a bet, when there has been no previous bet in the current betting round

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
In poker, if you have a weak hand, you can check instead of betting.
He decided to check to see if the next card improved his hand.
When it was her turn, she chose to check rather than raise.
09

(in ice hockey) to use one's body or stick to block or hinder an opponent's progress or play

Transitive: to check an opponent's progress
example
Example
click on words
He used his stick to check the opponent's advance and regain possession of the puck.
She used her body to check the opponent off balance and gain control of the puck.
The forward tried to check the opposing player along the boards.
10

to suddenly slow down or stop, usually because of caution, uncertainty, or fear

Intransitive
Transitive: to check speed of something
example
Example
click on words
The driver had to check the car when a deer suddenly appeared on the road.
The horse checked its pace as it approached the unfamiliar terrain.
The aircraft 's warning system caused it to check its descent.
11

(of dogs) to stop momentarily to verify or reacquire a scent during tracking or hunting

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
The bloodhound checked at the crossroads, ensuring it was still on the trail of the escaped convict.
The tracking dog expertly checked for the scent of the missing child in the dense forest.
The scent was faint, so the coonhound frequently checked to stay on the raccoon's trail.
12

(of trained hawks) to abandon its original prey and pursue a different target

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
The falconer watched in amazement as his hawk suddenly checked and darted after a different bird.
During the hunt, the hawk 's ability to check and adapt to changing prey made it a valuable asset to the falconer.
The hawk 's sharp instincts allowed it to check and switch targets swiftly, making it an efficient hunter.
13

to temporarily release tension or pressure on a rope and then secure it once more

Transitive: to check a rope
example
Example
click on words
The climbing guide demonstrated how to check the rope securely to prevent any dangerous slips during the ascent.
The experienced rock climber knew when to check the rope to ensure a smoother descent.
As the hiker reached a tricky section, they needed to check the rope to avoid getting stuck.
14

to cause cracks to form in a material, particularly wood or timber, due to certain conditions or exposure

Transitive: to check a material
example
Example
click on words
The intense heat and sunlight began to check the wooden fence, resulting in visible cracks.
Wooden furniture left outdoors without protection will likely check and deteriorate over time.
Over time, the sun can check the paint on outdoor furniture, leading to peeling and cracking.
14.1

to develop cracks or splits, typically due to drying, exposure to extreme conditions, or other factors

Intransitive
example
Example
click on words
The wooden deck began to check after years of exposure to the sun and rain.
Over time, the paint on the old wooden door began to check, revealing the weathered wood beneath.
The lumberyard manager noticed that some of the wooden boards had checked during transport.
15

to create a pattern of small, often square-shaped marks or designs on a fabric or material

Transitive: to check a fabric or material
example
Example
click on words
She decided to check the tablecloth with a classic gingham pattern.
The artist used a fine brush to check the fabric with intricate squares.
The tailor carefully checked the woolen suit for a subtle plaid pattern.
Check
01

‌a printed form that we can write an amount of money on, sign, and use instead of money to pay for things

check definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
He received a check for the sale of his old car.
I wrote a check to my child's school for the field trip fee.
My paycheck gets directly deposited into my bank account.
02

a chess move that puts the opponent's king under the threat of a direct attack by the chess pieces of the other player

check definition and meaning

What is "check"?

Check is a situation in chess where a player's king is under direct threat of being captured by an opponent's piece. When a king is in check, the player must take action to protect it by either moving the king to a safe square, blocking the attack with another piece, or capturing the threatening piece. If the king cannot escape check, the game progresses toward checkmate, which ends the game.

03

a pattern of small squares, typically in two colors, used on fabric and resembling a checkerboard

check definition and meaning

What is "check"?

Check is a pattern made up of intersecting lines, usually of different colors or shades, forming squares or rectangles of various sizes. Checks come in many different styles and variations, including gingham, plaid, houndstooth, and windowpane. They are commonly used in clothing and textiles, including shirts, dresses, skirts, suits, and blankets. The size and color of the checks can vary greatly, ranging from small and subtle to bold and eye-catching. Check patterns are often associated with different fashion styles and time periods, such as preppy, country, and punk. They can be used to create a variety of visual effects, including adding depth and texture to a garment or creating a bold, graphic statement.

04

a small piece of paper showing the foods and drinks that we have ordered in a restaurant, cafe, etc. and the amount that we have to pay

check definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
He left the restaurant without paying the check.
She asked for the check after finishing her coffee.
She left her credit card with the waiter to pay the check.
05

the act of ascertaining the validity, security, or suitability of something by inspecting it

check definition and meaning
06

additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct

07

the state of inactivity following an interruption

08

the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess

09

obstructing an opponent in ice hockey

10

a mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something

11

an appraisal of the state of affairs

12

something that limits or restrains progress or excess

example
Example
click on words
The strict rules in place acted as a check on reckless behavior during the event.
His fear of failure served as a check on his ambition, keeping him from taking unnecessary risks.
The environmental regulations provide an important check on industrial pollution.
13

a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.

01

used to express agreement or to say that something has been dealt with

check definition and meaning
example
Example
click on words
Check, I've got everything I need for the trip.
Check, let's meet at the café at noon.
Check, the room is all tidy now.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store