# check /ˈtʃɛk/ (US) · /tʃˈɛk/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/check Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. to examine or verify verb · CEFR A2 to look at something to see if it is correct, safe, or in good condition. For teachers: to examine or investigate something in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition. - Please check your homework for mistakes before you give it to the teacher. - The engineers had to check the structural integrity of the bridge after the severe storm to ensure it was safe for traffic. Usage: Often used with 'for' to indicate the object of the search. ### 2. to control or limit verb · CEFR B2 to stop something from increasing or getting worse. For teachers: to restrain or control the progress or intensity of something. - The government is trying to check the rise in food prices. - The new regulations were designed to check the expansion of monopolies within the telecommunications sector. Usage: Transitive verb taking a direct object. ### 3. to leave for safekeeping verb · CEFR B1 · American English to leave your bags or coat in a special place while you are at a hotel or airport. For teachers: to deposit items for temporary storage or transport in a designated area. - We checked our suitcases at the hotel desk so we could go sightseeing. - Passengers are advised to check their heavy luggage at the counter at least two hours before the scheduled departure. ### 4. an inspection noun · CEFR A2 an act of looking at something to make sure it is right. For teachers: an act of testing or examining something to verify its condition or accuracy. - The pilot did a final safety check before the plane took off. - A routine background check is mandatory for all candidates applying for high-security positions within the firm. ### 5. a restaurant bill noun · CEFR A2 · American English the piece of paper that tells you how much you must pay for a meal. For teachers: a written statement of the amount due for goods or services, specifically in a dining context. - After we finished our coffee, we asked the waiter for the check. - The host discreetly settled the check before the guests had finished their dessert to avoid any awkwardness over payment. ### 6. a pattern of squares noun · CEFR B1 a pattern of squares in different colours. For teachers: a pattern consisting of alternating squares of different colours or textures. - He wore a shirt with a blue and white check pattern. - The interior designer recommended a subtle grey check for the upholstery to complement the minimalist aesthetic of the room. ### 7. a bank document noun · CEFR B1 · American English a printed form you sign to pay for something with money from your bank. For teachers: a written order to a bank to pay a stated sum from the drawer's account. - I wrote a check for the rent and mailed it to the landlord. - The company issued a refund check to the customer after the billing error was discovered by the accounting department. Teaching tip: In British English, this is spelled 'cheque'. ### 8. chess move noun · CEFR B2 a move in chess that attacks the opponent's king. For teachers: a position in chess where the king is under direct attack but can potentially escape. - He put my king in check, so I had to move it to a safe square. - The grandmaster delivered a surprising check with his knight, forcing his opponent into a defensive posture for the remainder of the game. ### 9. done or correct interjection · CEFR B1 · Informal a word you say to show that something is finished or correct. For teachers: an exclamation used to indicate that a task is completed or a requirement has been met. - Passport? Check. Tickets? Check. We are ready to go. - The team leader went through the pre-launch list: 'Fuel levels? Check. Navigation systems? Check.' Teaching tip: This is very common when reading through a list of items. ## Examples - The mechanic does a final check on the car. - Before the flight, the pilot performs a routine safety check of the entire aircraft. - A thorough background check is a standard part of the hiring process for any position that involves access to sensitive financial data. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.