check-in

1 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of checking in

check in

2 of 2

verb

checked in; checking in; checks in

intransitive verb

1
: to register at a hotel
When you arrive at the hotel, please check in at the front desk.
Once we've checked in and dropped off our luggage, we'll meet you in the lobby.
A regular at MGM Resorts properties, she uses her phone to pull up the M Life smartphone app, where she can check in remotely.Bryan Horwath
2
: to report one's presence or arrival
check in at a convention
Airlines may also require passengers to submit documentation for their service animals at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel. But those passengers will now be allowed to check in online instead of in person.Chicago Tribune
3
US : to find out or report the status of someone or something especially as part of a regular pattern of communication or monitoring
She checks in with her boss/team every Friday.
I'm just checking in to find out how your doctor's appointment went.
Asking for feedback can definitely be scary, but it's good to check in and get some constructive criticism on how you're doing.Nancy Valev
often followed by on or with
I'm just checking in with you to find out how your doctor's appointment went.
All parents should have a system where they check in with their kids frequently.James Lehman
He will be required to check in with a probation officer every week at the outset, and undergo drug and alcohol testing and complete psychological counseling.Cory Schaffer
During the early afternoon, Mrs. Ruane … checked in on the patient who had returned from her procedure.Pohla Smith
"… Millions of Americans use social media every day to check in on friends and family, learn about current events, and share their experiences online. … "Shayne Adamski
"… But, Shirley, thank you so much. I'll check in with you again as the story unfolds, OK?"Drew Pinsky
We access our work email on our phones, catch up on messages during our commutes and even when we're out at lunch, check in on work before bed—some of us feel like we have to just to be good employees.Alan Henry
… suggests … setting up Remote Desktop so that you can check in on the systems from afar …Andrew Cunningham

transitive verb

: to satisfy all requirements in returning
check in the equipment after using

Examples of check-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Develop a process for proactive communication, such as check-in calls or regular email updates, to keep clients informed and engaged. Ken Thomas, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 For a process that normally takes about 45 seconds, each person's check-in that morning took — at best, by Easton's estimates — three to six minutes, causing a line to quickly form out the door. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 11 Nov. 2024 Long says regular check-ins and clear communication of boundaries with co-parents and children help establish a balance between sharing milestones and respecting their child’s privacy. Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 Staying in touch: Send occasional check-ins, updates, or tips to keep your business top of mind. Melissa Houston, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for check-in 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1918, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of check-in was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near check-in

Cite this Entry

“Check-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/check-in. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

check-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈchek-ˈin
: an act or instance of checking in

check in

2 of 2 verb
1
: to register at a hotel or motel
2
: to report one's presence or arrival
3
: to bring back : return
checked in the equipment

More from Merriam-Webster on check-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!