Did you know?


check - definition and synonyms


What are red words?





noun check pronunciation in British English /tʃek/
Word Forms
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  1. 1
    [countable] an examination of something to find out whether it is as it should be
    check for:

    a check for spelling errors

    check on:

    They do routine checks on the condition of the planes.

    make a check:

    He made a final check of the doors to be sure they were locked.

    do a check:

    They’ll be doing a sound check before the concert.

    1. a.
      an examination of someone to find out whether they are healthy
      check for:

      a routine check for skin cancer

    2. b.
      an examination by the police, army etc of an area, or people or vehicles passing through an area, in order to be certain that there is no danger or illegal activity

      Airport police confirmed that the courier had managed to pass through the security check.

      check on:

      They run a police check on all applicants for a gun licence.

    See also spot check
  2. 2
    [countable] something that controls another thing and stops it from becoming worse, too powerful etc
    check on:

    Economic forces act as a check on political power.

  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] a pattern of squares, usually of two colours

    a sheet with red and white checks

    He was wearing a check shirt.

  4. 4
    [uncountable] the position of the king in the game of chess when it is threatened by another piece
  5. 5
    [countable] American the bill in a restaurant

    How much is the check?

  6. 6
    the American spelling of cheque
  7. 7
    [countable] American a tick for showing that something is correct

Open Dictionary


the activity of exploring abandoned buildings and other manmade structures

add a word



global English and language change from our blog
Macmillan learn live love play