# checkers

/ˈtʃɛkɝz/ (US) · /tʃˈɛkəz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/checkers
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a board game for two people where you move round, flat pieces across a pattern of dark and light squares. You win by jumping over and taking all of your opponent's pieces.

For teachers: a strategy board game for two players involving diagonal moves of uniform disc-shaped pieces and mandatory capture by jumping over opponent pieces. Known as 'draughts' in British English.

## Examples

- We spent the rainy afternoon playing checkers in the living room.
- The two old friends met at the park every morning to play checkers on the stone tables.
- While checkers may appear simpler than chess due to its uniform pieces, the game requires significant foresight to set up double jumps and reach the far edge of the board.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Checkers are a popular game." but "Checkers is a popular game." — Names of games ending in 's' are uncountable and take a singular verb.

## Usage notes

- Treated as a singular noun despite the 's' ending; takes a singular verb ('Checkers is fun').

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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.