1. subst. A board game for two players with each beginning with sixteen chess pieces moving according to fixed rules across a chessboard with the objective to checkmate the opposing king.
2. subst. (now chiefly US) Any of several species of grass in the genus Bromus, generally considered weeds.
3. subst. (military, chiefly in the plural) One of the platforms, consisting of two or more planks dowelled together, for the flooring of a temporary military bridge.
1. subst. (chess) A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece.
2. subst. An inspection or examination.
I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.
3. subst. A control; a limit or stop.
checks and balances
The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.
4. subst. (US) A mark (especially a checkmark: sc=Latinx, ✓) used as an indicator, equivalent to a tick (UK).
Place a check by the things you have done.
5. subst. (US) An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity; a cheque (UK, Canada).
I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.
6. subst. (US) A bill, particularly in a restaurant.
I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.
7. subst. (contact sports) A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.
The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.
8. subst. A token used instead of cash in gaming machines.
9. subst. A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
10. subst. A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.
a check given for baggage; a return check on a railroad
11. subst. (falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
12. subst. A small chink or crack.
13. v. To inspect; to examine.
Check the oil in your car once a month.
Check whether this page has a watermark.
14. v. To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
15. v. (US, often used with "off") To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or veri
Check the items on the list that interest you.
Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).
Check the correct answer to each question.
16. v. To control, limit, or halt.
Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.
17. v. To verify or compare with a source of information.
Check your data against known values.
18. v. To leave in safekeeping.
Check your hat and coat at the door.
19. v. To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.
Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.
20. v. (street basketball) To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.
He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.
That basket doesn't count—you forgot to check!
21. v. (contact sports) To hit another player with one's body.
The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.
22. v. (poker) To remain in a hand without betting. Only legal if no one has yet bet.
Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.
23. v. (chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's piece, especially the king, in check; to put in check.
24. v. To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
25. v. (nautical) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
26. v. To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
27. v. To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.
The sun checks timber.
28. v. To make a stop; to pause; with at.
29. v. (obsolete) To clash or interfere.
30. v. To act as a curb or restraint.
31. v. (falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
32. subst. (textiles usually pluralized) A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
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