checker

1 of 3

noun (1)

check·​er ˈche-kər How to pronounce checker (audio)
Synonyms of checkernext
1
archaic : chessboard
2
: a square or spot resembling the markings of a checkerboard
3
: a piece in checkers

checker

2 of 3

verb

checkered; checkering ˈche-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce checker (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to variegate with different colors or shades
b
: to vary with contrasting elements or situations
2
: to mark into squares

checker

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: one that checks
a fact checker
2
: an employee who checks out purchases in a self-service store

Examples of checker 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
My company's research estimates that, as of September 2024, 13.97% of the top 20 Google search results for 500 keywords contained AI content, according to our AI checker. —Jonathan Gillham, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 At Comme des Garcons, flannels were even styled over plaid button-ups—doubling down on the checker print. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
In the aftermath of the Vance-Walz debate, fact checkers worked overtime to confirm the accuracy of both candidates’ statements. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 The men’s ready-to-wear selection is characterized by velvet denim, checkered wool and canvas garments in natural shades ranging from warm brown to mineral tones. —Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for checker 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English cheker, escheker "chessboard, table covered in a cloth marked out in squares for counting money, the Exchequer," borrowed from Anglo-French eschecker, from eschec "situation of being in check in chess" (in plural escheks, eschez "game of chess") + -er -er entry 2 — more at check entry 2

Note: Compare Medieval Latin scaccārium "chessboard," a latinization of escheker, unless the latter is a vernacularization of the Latin form. Sense 3 is a back-formation from checkers.

Verb

derivative of checker;1

Note: Early uses are inseparable from early instances of checkered, which could be taken as past participles of this verb.

Noun (2)

check entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of checker was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing checker

Dictionary Entries Near checker

checkdown

checker

checkerbelly

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Checker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checker. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

checker

1 of 3 noun
check·​er ˈchek-ər How to pronounce checker (audio)
1
: a square resembling the markings on a checkerboard
2
: a piece in the game of checkers

checker

2 of 3 verb
checkered; checkering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce checker (audio)
: to mark with squares of different colors
a checkered tablecloth

checker

3 of 3 noun
: one that checks
especially : an employee who checks out purchases in a supermarket
Etymology

Noun

Middle English cheker "checker (square), board on which chess is played," from early French checker, escheker "board for playing chess," from eschec "a check (in chess), attack" — related to check, chess

More from Merriam-Webster on checker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for checker

Nglish: Translation of checker for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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