Meaning of check in English

check

verb

/tʃek/ uk

/tʃek/

check verb (EXAMINE)

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A2 [ I or T ]

to make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable by examining it, him, or her quickly:

You should always check your oil, water, and tires before taking your car on a long trip.

check something for something Customs stopped us and checked (= searched) our bags for alcohol and cigarettes.

After I'd finished the test, I checked my answers for mistakes.

check for The doctor may do blood tests to check for parasites.

check on The doctor will call next week to check on your progress.

I check on (= visit) our elderly neighbor every few days to make sure that he's all right.

[ + (that) ] I always check (that) I've shut the windows before I leave the house.

See also

crosscheck verb (INFORMATION)

double-check

Synonyms

check something out (EXAMINE, LOOK AT) informal
examine (LOOK AT CAREFULLY)
inspect
peruse formal
scan  (LOOK)
study  (EXAMINE)
survey  (LOOK AT) formal

B1 [ I or T ]

to find out about something:

[ + question word ] I called them yesterday to check when they were arriving.

[ + to infinitive ] If you're near the garage, could you check to see (= ask) if the car's ready?

check with If you're unsure of your legal rights, I would check with (= ask) a lawyer.

More examplesFewer examples

It's a good idea to check the flight departure time before you leave for the airport.
I'd like to check my bank balance, please.
Patricia has checked the reports and can vouch for the accuracy of the information.
You should have your teeth checked by a dentist at least twice a year.
Remember to go over your paper, checking for grammar and spelling mistakes, before you hand it in to me.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Testing, checking and experimenting

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Questioning people & asking questions in general

check verb (STOP)

[ T ]

to stop someone from doing or saying something, or to prevent something from increasing or continuing:

They have begun to vaccinate children in an attempt to check the spread of the disease.

Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples

to prevent something from happening

preventVaccination will prevent the spread of the disease.
avoidLabel the boxes to avoid confusion.
stopThis should stop any further trouble.
avertWe had to act quickly to avert disaster.
prohibitBehavioral problems in the classroom prohibit learning.
checkChildren are being vaccinated in an attempt to check the spread of the disease.

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SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Preventing and impeding

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check verb (LEAVE)

[ T ] mainly US

(UK usually check in)

to give your bags to airport employees to be put on a plane for you, rather than carrying them on and off the plane yourself:

I got my boarding pass and checked my suitcase.

checked bag The law required that every checked bag be screened for explosives.

checked baggage Most airlines charge extra for checked baggage.

checked luggage A stroller should not count as checked luggage.

[ T ] mainly US

to leave something with someone at a particular place, so that they can take care of it for a short time:

It was hot so we checked our coats before going round the gallery.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Arrivals and departures

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Placing and positioning an object

check verb (AGREE)

[ I ] mainly US

If information checks, it agrees with other information:

check with Her statement checks with most of the eye-witness reports.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Accepting & agreeing

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check verb (MARK)

A1 [ I or T ] mainly US

(UK usually tick)

to mark something with a check:

Check the box next to your name and click OK.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Specific signs and symbols

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check verb (CHESS)

[ T ] games specialized

in the game of chess, to put the other player's king under direct attack, so that he or she is forced to defend against the attack in the next move

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Board games

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check verb (SPORTS)

[ T ] sports specialized

in some sports such as hockey, to hit or push another player in order to try to make that player lose the ball or puck:

He checked Stevens into the boards and stole the puck.

If you check a player too hard, you might injure that person or get penalized for it.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General terms used in ball sports

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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Hockey

Phrasal verbs

check in
check in/check into something
check something in
check something off
check out
check someone out
check something out
check up on someone

check

noun

/tʃek/ uk

/tʃek/

check noun (EXAMINATION)

B1 [ C ]

an examination of something in order to make certain that it is correct or the way it should be:

give something a check The soldiers gave their equipment a final check before setting off.

have a check UK "I can't find my keys." "Have another check in/through your jacket pockets."

run a check The pilot runs a few checks before taking off.

check on I'll just run a check on (= find information about) that name for you in the computer.

keep a check on It's my job to keep a check on stock levels.

security check Security checks have become really strict at the airport.

spot check The police are carrying out spot checks on (= quick examinations of a limited number of) drivers over the Christmas period to test for alcohol levels.

See also

background check

More examplesFewer examples

We make a fortnightly check on supplies.
They carried out the pre-flight checks.
I made one last check that we had not forgotten anything.
UKCan you have a check in the kitchen to see if my keys are in there?

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Testing, checking and experimenting

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check noun (MONEY)

A2 [ C ] US

(UK cheque)

a printed form, used instead of money, to make payments from your bank account:

write a check I wrote him a check for $50.

by check I don't have any cash on me, so could I pay by check?

Who should I make out this check to? (= Whose name should I write on it?)

Please make your checks payable to Toystore Inc. (= write this name on them).

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Payment methods

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check noun (PATTERN)

[ C or U ]

a pattern of squares in two or more colors:

a shirt with a pattern of blue and yellow checks

I chose the red and white check.

She covered the bed in a blue and white check blanket.

a gray check suit

detshana/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images /GettyImages

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Patterns and shapes

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check noun (RESTAURANT)

A2 [ C ] US

a bill in a restaurant, etc.:

Can I have the check, please?

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Bills & invoices

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check noun (LIMIT)

hold/keep something in check

to limit something:

We need to find ways of keeping our expenditure in check.

checks and balances

rules intended to prevent one person or group from having too much power within an organization:

A system of checks and balances exists to ensure that our government is truly democratic.

Synonyms

constraint
control  (POWER)
curb  (CONTROL)
curtailment
limit 
limitation
rein 
restraint
restriction

check noun (MARK)

A2 [ C ] mainly US

(UK usually tick)

a mark (✓) that shows that something is correct or has been done:

Put a check by the names of the people who have accepted the invitation.

UmbertoPantalone/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Specific signs and symbols

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check noun (CHESS)

[ U ] games specialized

in chess, the act of directly attacking the other player's king:

I think I should have given check (= attacked my opponent's king) at move 23 instead of trying to find a safer square for the rook.

in check games specialized

If your king is in check in chess, it is being directly attacked by the other player:

Your king is in check from my knight.

If your king is in check, you must make a move that protects it.

I couldn't take her bishop because I was in check.

He moved his queen and put his opponent's king in check.

You must not make any move that would put your king in check.

Compare

checkmate noun

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Board games

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check noun (SPORTS)

[ C ]

in some sports such as hockey, a move in which a player tries to prevent an opponent from scoring by hitting or pushing them to try to make them lose the ball or puck:

The check that he leveled on Branson was perfectly legal according to the rules of the game.

The referee awarded a penalty kick for an illegal check on McCann.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

General terms used in ball sports

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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Hockey

check

exclamation

/tʃek/ uk

/tʃek/

check exclamation (YES)

mainly US

used to say yes to someone who is making certain that all the things on a list have been dealt with or included:

"Did you bring your sleeping bag?" "Check." "Pillow?" "Check."

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Yes, no & not

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check exclamation (CHESS)

games specialized

something you say in chess, if you directly attack the other player's king

Compare

checkmate

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Board games

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(Definition of check from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

check | Intermediate English

check

verb

/tʃek/

check verb (EXAMINE)

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[ I/T ]

to look at or give your attention to something to get information, often to help you decide if something is correct, safe, or suitable:

[ + to infinitive ] Check to see what the weather is like outside.

[ T ] I brought the car to the garage to have the brakes checked.

[ T ] We checked our records for any information about him.

[ I ] We have a claim for lost luggage, and we are checking into it.

[ T ] The doctors checked his heart and said it was fine.

[ T ] Before you hand in your papers, check your spelling.

check verb (STOP)

[ T ]

to stop someone from doing or saying something, or to prevent something from increasing or continuing:

He started to interrupt but checked himself and said nothing.

The program is designed to check the spread of malaria.

check verb (LEAVE)

[ T ]

to leave your outer clothing or property temporarily in the care of someone else, usually as a convenience:

Let’s check our coats before going through the galleries.

Passengers on this flight will be allowed one carry-on bag, and will have to check any additional bags.

check verb (MARK)

[ T ]

to mark items to show your preferences:

Check the box corresponding to the correct answer to each question.

Phrasal verbs

check in
check off something
check out
check out (something)
check out something
check out (something)
check out something
check up on someone

check

noun

/tʃek/

check noun (MONEY)

[ C ]

a printed form, used instead of money, to make payments from your bank account:

I’ve got to cash my pay check.

She wrote me a check for $120.

check noun (PATTERN)

[ C ]

a pattern made of different colored squares, or one of these squares:

The shirt has a pattern of blue and yellow checks.

check noun (MARK)

[ C ]

a sign (✓) that shows that something is correct or done or has been examined:

Put a check next to the names of the people who have already paid for their tickets.

check noun (REQUEST FOR PAYMENT)

[ C ]

a request for payment of money owed to a restaurant, or the piece of paper on which it is written:

Waiter, may I have the check, please?

check noun (EXAMINATION)

[ C ]

the act of looking at or giving your attention to something to get information, often to help you decide if something is correct, safe, or suitable:

The FBI did a thorough background check on him (= looked into his past experience and relationships).

check noun (STOP)

a way to stop someone from doing or saying something, or to prevent something from increasing or continuing:

New rules would put a check on rising interest rates.

check noun (LEAVE)

[ C ]

the ticket or small object that you are given and that you use to get back your coat or other personal possessions left in the care of someone else for a short period:

I thought I put the coat check in my pocket.

Idiom

in check

(Definition of check from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

check | Business English

check

verb

/tʃek/ us

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[ I or T ]

to make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable, for example by examining it or them, or by asking someone:

When the shipment arrived, she checked to make sure nothing was broken.

A security officer checked our bags at the entrance to the building.

I'd like to check my bank balance, please.

check on sth The supervisor will check on your progress next week.

check (sth) for sth Always check your reports for spelling errors before you hand them in.

check (sth) with sb Please could you check the figures with the sales manager?

check that Check that you have all the necessary documentation before you travel.

Compare

double-check

[ T ]

to prevent something from increasing or continuing:

Our first priority is to control public spending and check inflation.

We tried to check the spread of the rumour that the company was being sold.

[ T ]

to leave something with someone at a particular place, so that they can take care of it for a short time, or so it can be put on a plane or train:

Please check your coats at the coatroom prior to the meeting.

He checked his baggage as soon as he got to the airport.

These articles may only be carried in checked baggage.

[ T ]

to make a mark next to an item on a list, or to click on a checkbox on a computer screen in order to make a choice:

Please check the box above to agree to our terms and conditions.

See also

tick noun

[ I ]

if information checks, it makes it likely that other information is true:

check with sth Her statement checks with most of the eye-witness reports.

Phrasal verbs

check in/check into sth
check sth in
check sth off
check on sb/sth
check out
check out (of sth)
check sth out

check

noun [ C ]

/tʃek/ us

BANKING US

→ cheque

→ check mark :

Put a check beside each item that you wish to order.

See also

tick noun

an examination of something in order to make certain that it is correct or the way that it should be:

give sth a check Give the invoice another check before you seal the carton.

carry out/do a check (on/of sth) They carried out a check of all the electrical equipment.

regular/routine check A regular check is done on all our equipment.

quick/thorough check All these documents will need a thorough check before you send them off.

keep a check on sth It's my job to keep a check on stock levels.

Security checks at airports have become very strict.

an examination of somebody to see if they are healthy or have a medical problem:

health/medical check Purchasers of the policy will be required to undergo a medical check.

COMMERCE US (UK bill)

a piece of paper given to you when you have finished eating at a restaurant, showing how much money you owe:

Can we have the check, please?

something that stops something else from increasing or getting worse:

keep a check on sth The new administration is expected to keep a tight check on inflation.

act/serve as a check on sth These controls are designed to act as a check on fraud.

hold/keep sth in check

to put a limit on something so that it does not increase or become worse:

We must find ways of keeping our expenditure in check.

checks and balances

GOVERNMENT

rules intended to prevent one person or group from having too much power within a country or an organization:

A system of checks and balances exists to ensure that our government is truly democratic.

Many executives amassed enormous power by ignoring the normal checks and balances of the financial world.

Examples of check

check

But curious readers can check it out for themselves here.

From Hollywood Reporter

Those checks are a valuable prize for anyone who wants to prove that they know what they're talking about.

From Business Insider

As the village tries to regain is financial footing, it has since put reforms in place such as requiring all checks have two signatures.

From cleveland.com

Check out the camera on the top of the viewer that's connected to the smartphone.

From TechCrunch

That's a lot of people to look in on, and the premiere mostly satisfied itself with going down the list and checking off boxes.

From Ars Technica

If your child is young, check it over when it's finished and praise the child for their persistence and a well-completed job.

From Huffington Post

He also says games are checked again before being shipped to another store.

From New York Post

By contrast, the monthly checks could be guaranteed income that can last for both your lifetimes.

From Los Angeles Times

In the rest of the population, 13 percent make online reservations, and 23 percent use check-in sites.

From Huffington Post

No one passes without having his or her temperature checked.

From ABC News

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.