check (checks plural & 3rd person present) (checking present participle) (checked past tense & past participle )
1 verb If you check something such as a piece of information or a document, you make sure that it is correct or satisfactory.
Check the accuracy of everything in your CV... V n
I think there is an age limit, but I'd have to check... V
She hadn't checked whether she had a clean ironed shirt... V wh
He checked that he had his room key... V that
I shall need to check with the duty officer. V with n
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cross-check
Check is also a noun., n-count usu with supp
He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure., ...a security check.
2 verb If you check on someone or something, you make sure they are in a safe or satisfactory condition.
He decided to check on things at the warehouse. V on n
3 verb If you check something that is written on a piece of paper, you put a mark, like a V with the right side extended, next to it to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with.
(AM)
Frequently, men who check answer (b) have not actually had the experience of being repeatedly rejected by women. V n
in BRIT, usually use tick
4 verb To check something, usually something bad, means to stop it from spreading or continuing.
(=curb)
Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of AIDS. V n
5 verb If you checkyourself or if something checks you, you suddenly stop what you are doing or saying.
He was about to lose his temper but checked himself in time... V pron-refl
I held up one finger to check him. V n
6 verb When you check your luggage at an airport, you give it to an official so that it can be taken on to your plane.
We arrived at the airport, checked our baggage and wandered around the gift shops... V n
To check in your luggage means the same as to check it., phrasal verb
They checked in their luggage and found seats in the departure lounge. V P n (not pron), Also V n P
7 n-count The check in a restaurant is a piece of paper on which the price of your meal is written and which you are given before you pay.
(mainly AM)
(=bill)
in BRIT, use bill
8 convention In a game of chess, you say check when you are attacking your opponent's king.
9 n-count A pattern of squares, usually of two colours, can be referred to as checks or a check.
oft N n
Styles include stripes and checks., ...a red and white check dress.
10 If something or someone is held in check or is kept in check, they are controlled and prevented from becoming too great or powerful.
hold sth in check/keep sth in check phrase V inflects
Life on Earth will become unsustainable unless population growth is held in check...
11 A check is the same as a cheque.
(AM)
12
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double-check
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rain check
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spot check check in
1 phrasal verb When you check in or check into a hotel or clinic, or if someone checks you in, you arrive and go through the necessary procedures before you stay there.
(=register) (Antonym: check out)
I'll ring the hotel. I'll tell them we'll check in tomorrow... V P
He has checked into an alcohol treatment centre... V P n
Check us in at the hotel and wait for my call. V n P
2 phrasal verb When you check in at an airport, you arrive and show your ticket before going on a flight.
He had checked in at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport for a flight to Manchester. V P
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check-in
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check 6 check off phrasal verb When you check things off, you check or count them while referring to a list of them, to make sure you have considered all of them.
(=tick off)
Once you've checked off the items you ordered, put this record in your file... V P n (not pron)
I haven't checked them off but I would say that's about the number. V n P check out
1 phrasal verb When you check out of a hotel or clinic where you have been staying, or if someone checks you out, you pay the bill and leave. , (Antonym: check in)
They packed and checked out of the hotel... V P of n
I was disappointed to miss Bryan, who had just checked out... V P
I'd like to check him out of here the day after tomorrow. V n P of n, Also V P n (not pron), V n P
2 phrasal verb If you check out something or someone, you find out information about them to make sure that everything is correct or satisfactory.
(=investigate)
Maybe we ought to go down to the library and check it out... V n P
The police had to check out the call. V P n (not pron)
3 phrasal verb If something checks out, it is correct or satisfactory.
She was in San Diego the weekend Jensen got killed. It checked out... V
1 phrasal verb If you check upon something, you find out information about it.
It is certainly worth checking up on your benefit entitlements... V P on n
The Government employs tax inspectors to check up and make sure people pay all their tax. V P
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check-up
2 phrasal verb If you check upon someone, you obtain information about them, usually secretly. I'm sure he knew I was checking up on him. V P on n
cashier's check (cashier's checks plural )A cashier's check is one which a cashier signs and which is drawn on a bank's own funds.
(AM) n-count
check-in (check-ins plural )At an airport, a check-in is the counter or desk where you check in. n-count
check mark (check marks plural )A check mark is a written mark like a V with the right side extended. It is used to show that something is correct or has been selected or dealt with.
(AM) n-count
in BRIT, use tick
check-up (check-ups plural ), checkup A check-up is a medical examination by your doctor or dentist to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your health. n-count
The disease was detected during a routine check-up.
cross-check (cross-checks 3rd person present) (cross-checking present participle) (cross-checked past tense & past participle )If you cross-check information, you check that it is correct using a different method or source from the one originally used to obtain it. verb
You have to scrupulously check and cross-check everything you hear... V n
His version will later be cross-checked against that of the university... be V-ed against n
They want to ensure such claims are justified by cross-checking with other records. V with n, Also V, V n with n
double-check (double-checks 3rd person present) (double-checking present participle) (double-checked past tense & past participle )If you double-check something, you examine or test it a second time to make sure that it is completely correct or safe. verb
Check and double-check spelling and punctuation... V n
Double-check that the ladder is secure... V that
Don't believe what you are told; double-check with an independent source. V with n
rain check (rain checks plural )
1 n-sing If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it now, but you might accept it at another time.
Can I take a rain check on that?
2 n-count A rain check is a free ticket that is given to people when an outdoor game or event is stopped because of rain or bad weather, so that they can go to it when it is held again.
(AM)
spot check (spot checks plural ), spot-check If someone carries out a spot check, they examine one thing from a group in order to make sure that it is satisfactory. n-count oft N on n
