check
examine for accuracy or condition
To look at something to make sure it is right or okay.
to check [something] for [problems/errors/etc.]
- Please check the report for spelling mistakes before sending it.
- She checked her phone to see if there were any new messages.
- I need to check the oil level in the car.
- The teacher checked each student's homework carefully.
- Check your bag before you leave.
- I check my email every day.
- He checks the door to see if it is locked.
- We check our answers in class.
find out information or confirm it
To look or ask to get information.
to check [something]
- Let me check the train schedule.
- She checked her watch and realized she was late.
- I’ll check with John if he can come.
- I check the time on my watch.
- Please check the map for the hotel.
- He checks his phone for news.
bank order to pay money
A piece of paper from a bank that tells it to pay money from your account.
- I wrote a check for the electricity bill.
- He handed the waiter a check for $50.
- The bank refused to cash the check without ID.
- I pay my rent by check.
- She wrote a check to her friend.
- He gave me a check for my birthday.
bill in a restaurant (US)
In American English, the paper that shows how much you must pay for your food in a restaurant.
- Can we have the check, please?
- The waiter brought us the check after dessert.
- We split the check three ways.
- Please bring us the check.
- We paid the check and left.
- They asked for the check after coffee.
stop or slow progress
To stop something from moving or growing too much.
to check [something]
- The government introduced measures to check inflation.
- She checked his arm before he could hit the ball.
- The police checked the crowd's advance.
- We must check the fire before it spreads.
- The coach checked the player during practice.
- They checked the spread of the virus.
pattern of small squares
A design with small squares in two colors.
- He wore a shirt with blue and white checks.
- The tablecloth had a red check pattern.
- Check fabric is popular for picnic blankets.
- My skirt has red checks.
- The bag has a blue check pattern.
- I like shirts with checks.
- Base: check
- Plural: check, checks
- Base: check
- 3rd Person Singular: checks
- Present Participle: checking
- Past: checked
check in
1register on arrival at place/event
To tell someone you have arrived and give your details at a hotel, airport, etc.
- We need to check in two hours before our flight.
- Please check in at reception when you arrive.
check on
1verify safety or status of someone/something
To look at someone or something to be sure they are okay or correct.
- I’ll check on the kids before we leave.
- She checked on the cake in the oven.
in check
1kept under control
Being kept under control so it does not get worse.
- New laws are keeping pollution in check.
- He kept his anger in check during the meeting.
rain check
1Postpone accepting an offer
To say you want to do something later instead of now.
- I can’t join you tonight, but I’ll take a rain check.
- Can I take a rain check on dinner? I'm busy tonight.
- He offered me a drink, but I had to take a rain check.
- They offered me a rain check for the sold-out concert.
check out
1examine closely or leave after paying
To look at something carefully; or to leave a hotel/store after paying.
- We have to check out by 11 a.m.
- You should check out that new café downtown.
- You can check out online without creating an account.
- We checked out of the hotel at noon.
check out
2Look at something with interest
To look at something carefully to see what it is like.
- Check out this new song I found!
- We should check out that new restaurant downtown.
check out
5look at or examine
To look at something or try it to see what it is like.
- Check out this app; it makes budgeting easier.
- I checked out the hotel reviews before I booked.
- You should check out the science museum while you're in town.