: to inspect, examine, or look at appraisingly or appreciatively—usually used with out or over
The doctors checked him over for injuries.checking out new carsAnd so no, I won't help you to find a way to check out women in front of your wife. Amy Dickinson
b
: to compare with a source, original, or authority : verify
needs to check her facts
c
: to look at (something) to obtain information
checking a watch to see the time
check a map/schedule
d
: to look or reach into (something) to find what is there
Harry glanced around at Fred, who was looking anxious and checking his pockets. J. K. Rowling
e
: to access (email, voice mail, etc.) to find out if there are messages
kept checking her voice mail throughout the day
f
: to mark with a check as examined, verified, or satisfactory—often used with off
bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.
bridle an impulse to throw the book down
Example Sentences
Verb Make sure to check your spelling. She checked her makeup in the mirror. We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly. The guards checked my passport. He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon. I'll just check the map to see where we are. I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts. If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer. I checked his office but he wasn't there. If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet. Noun Please give the schedule a check to see if the times are correct. I gave the ingredients list a quick check to see if the cereal contained any sugar. She ran a quick check of the computer to make sure it was working properly. The police ran a check on the license plate and found out that the car had been stolen. He was penalized for an illegal check. He made out the check to me and signed it, and I deposited it in my account. Do you want to pay in cash, by check, or by credit card? a fabric with a blue and yellow checkSee More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
If the United States national parks are on your travel bucket list, American Cruise Lines is giving travelers a way to check a few off their list. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 15 Sep. 2022 In December 2004, plant scientist Cathie Martin went to the greenhouse to check on her tomatoes.WIRED, 15 Sep. 2022 During a colonoscopy, a doctor (typically a gastroenterologist) inserts a thin, flexible tube inside the rectum to check the colon for polyps. Maggie O'neill, SELF, 14 Sep. 2022 Travelers who've pre-booked restaurant and theater tickets for Monday are advised to check ahead, as many are temporarily closing. Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 14 Sep. 2022 After searching the building to check for any spread of the fire, crews worked to ensure the fire didn’t reignited. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2022 But during his pre-Thanksgiving shop last November he got frazzled by looking up half a dozen different types of produce and tracking down an employee to check his ID for wine. Rachel Wolfe, WSJ, 14 Sep. 2022 The procedure is used to check for abnormalities in the colon, such as swelling, irritation or tumors. María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 By midafternoon, the line of people waiting to view the coffin had snaked across the Thames to South London; the government introduced an electronic tracker to allow people to check the waiting time. Mark Landler, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2022
Noun
Some share of the firm’s customers might also randomly earn a shopping spree, a seat upgrade, or a bottle of wine at check-in. Alexander Mitscherlich, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 Gold or Diamond Hilton Honors members are eligible for complementary, space-available upgrades at the time of check-in. Noel Cody, Essence, 8 Sep. 2022 For example, some parents said their children sometimes went whole school days without a check-in or instruction from their teacher. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Sep. 2022 Voters may also be required to provide identification confirming their name and address at check-in. Katie Mogg, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2022 As with a check-in on Facebook or location tagging on Instagram and Twitter, users opt into location sharing on Find My.New York Times, 20 Aug. 2022 Make sure to do your research and verify upon check-in. Isis Briones, House Beautiful, 18 Aug. 2022 The complimentary glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage) will be available at check-in. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 As the seasons shift, travelers typically bring more luggage, carrying warmer clothing or hiking equipment, which the airport said will contribute to longer lines through security and check-in. Benjamin Katz, WSJ, 12 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English chek, from Anglo-French eschec, from Arabic shāh, from Persian, literally, king; akin to Greek ktasthai to acquire, Sanskrit kṣatra dominion