a written order directing a bank to pay money
"he paid all his bills by check"
additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct
"fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory"
the act of inspecting or verifying
"they made a check of their equipment"
"the pilot ran through the check-out procedure"
a mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.
"as he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name"
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
"The missing permit was just a minor check holding up our construction schedule."
a textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard)
"she wore a skirt with checks"
obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
"The defenseman dropped his stick to check the forward and steal possession of the puck near center ice."
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
"After moving his rook to the eighth rank, I realized my bishop was finally able to check the opposing king without any pieces blocking the line."
A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece.
"The dog was wearing a bandana with a bright red and white check design around its neck."
A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
In plain English: A check is a piece of paper used to pay money from your bank account instead of using cash.
"She took a quick check of her reflection in the mirror before going out."
Usage: Use "check" to describe a fabric or surface featuring a pattern of alternating colored squares, such as a checkerboard or a picnic blanket. Do not use this term for a single square within the grid, which is more accurately called a cell or space.
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
"check the brakes"
"Check out the engine"
stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution
"She checked for an instant and missed a step"
block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
"The defenseman stepped in front of the forward to check him before he could reach the goal line."
develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control
"Parents must discipline their children"
"Is this dog trained?"
abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey
"The falcon abandoned its massive eagle and turned to chase a smaller pigeon instead."
decline to initiate betting
"After he refused to check his hand, the other player knew they had already won the pot without seeing what was dealt."
write out a check on a bank account
"After his salary was deposited, he sat down at his desk to write out a check for rent from his bank account."
verify by consulting a source or authority
"check the spelling of this word"
"check your facts"
arrest the motion (of something) abruptly
"He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve"
To inspect; to examine.
"The new wallpaper features an elegant black and white check design that brightens up the dining room."
To mark with a check pattern.
In plain English: To check means to look at something carefully to make sure it is correct or safe.
"She checked her watch to see if she was late for the meeting."
Usage: Use "check" to mean examining something carefully or verifying facts, not to apply a visual pattern. Avoid using it to describe marking a surface with lines when you simply want to indicate approval or correctness.
Divided into small squares by transverse, perpendicular, and horizontal lines.
"The old quilt was made of a check fabric that featured tiny blue squares against a white background."
In plain English: Check means something that is correct and free from mistakes.
"The check engine light on my dashboard is flashing again."
Usage: Use "checkered" to describe something marked with a pattern of small squares formed by intersecting lines. Do not use the noun form "check" as an adjective unless referring specifically to a monetary transaction or a game move.
A surname.
"The Check family has lived on that farm for three generations."
The word "check" entered English via French and Latin as a term for the king in chess. Its ultimate origin lies in Persian and Indo-Iranian roots meaning "king," which evolved to signify the game move that threatens or halts an opponent's progress.