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Figurative Checkmate and Other Chess Terms
Checkmate is one of the most recognizable words from the world of chess. It is often found both in its original sense (referring to the placing of an opponent’s king in an inescapable position) and in a figurative one (“to thwart”). But it is just one of a number of words in English that that either originated in, or gained popularity from, the game of chess before developing an extended metaphorical sense.
End game may refer to the final stages of a game of chess or to the final stage of other actions or processes. Gambit initially had the sole meaning “a chess opening in which a player voluntarily risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position” but now may also signify “a calculated move, maneuver, or device.” And pawn has developed the sense “one that can be used often to his own disadvantage to further the purposes of another” from its original designation as the least powerful piece on the chess board.
Examples of checkmate in a Sentence
Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
Now, it might just be checkmate for the TrackPoint.
—Allison Johnson, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
Tommy McArdle, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Between sips of coffee, onlooker Joe suggested to George a move which led to a checkmate.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 9 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkmate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
checkmate
1 of 2 verb
checkmate
2 of 2 noun
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