check

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check

check [verb] (EXAMINE)

To make certain that something or someone is correct, safe, or suitable by examining it or them quickly

US

/tʃek/

UK

/tʃek/

Example:

You should always check your oil, water, and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

check

I. check¹ S1 W2 /tʃek/ BrE AmE verb
1. FIND OUT [intransitive and transitive] to do something in order to find out whether something really is correct, true, or in good condition:
Check the tiles carefully before you buy them.
A first rule in solving any mystery is to check the facts.
Fill in the cash book carefully and always check your calculations.
check (that)
Check that all the doors are locked securely.
check whether/how/who etc
Let me just check whether the potatoes are cooked.
They paused to check how the other climbers were getting on.
check (something) for something
I checked the typing for errors.
Turn the tap on and check for leaks.
check something against/with something (=compare something with something else to see whether they are the same)
You must check the evidence against other sources and decide if it is reliable.
Positive test results are double-checked (=looked at twice) to make absolutely sure.
2. ASK SOMEBODY [intransitive and transitive] to ask someone whether something is correct, true, or allowed:
I’m not authorized to give you a refund – I’ll have to check first.
check (that)
Make a phone call to check that you’re writing to the right person.
check whether/how/who etc
Call the factory to check whether the beds can be delivered today.
check with
Check with your doctor before going on a diet.
3. NOT DO SOMETHING [transitive] to suddenly stop yourself from saying or doing something because you realize it would be better not to:
I had to check the urge to laugh out loud.
check yourself
He grinned, and then checked himself, not wanting to upset Jack.
4. STOP SOMETHING [transitive] to stop something bad from getting worse or continuing to happen:
The police are failing to take adequate measures to check the growth in crime.
5. BAGS/CASES ETC [transitive] American English, check in British English to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this:
Any luggage over five kilos must be checked.
6. MAKE A MARK [transitive] American English to make a mark (✓ ) next to an answer, something on a list etc to show you have chosen it, that it is correct, or that you have dealt with it SYN tick British English
7. Check especially American English spoken say this when someone mentions each thing on a list, to tell them that you have it or have done it:
‘Passport?’ ‘Check.’ ‘Ticket?’ ‘Check’.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ check to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly: I’ll just check the water level in the battery. | The immigration officer checked their passports. | We need to check the building for structural damage.
▪ examine to look at something carefully and thoroughly because you want to find out something about it: Experts who examined the painting believe it is genuine. | The police will examine the weapon for fingerprints.
▪ inspect to look at something carefully and thoroughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or working properly, especially when it is your job to do this: The building is regularly inspected by a fire-safety officer. | Some insurance people have already been here to inspect the damage caused by the storm.
▪ go through something to examine something such as a document or plan from beginning to end, especially in order to check that it is correct: You should go through the contract before you sign. | I’ve finished my essay, but I just need to go through it to check for spelling mistakes.
▪ double-check to check something again so that you are completely sure it is correct, safe, or working properly: I double-checked all my calculations and they seemed fine. | Travellers should double-check flight information before setting off today.
▪ test to examine or use something in order to find out whether it works or what its qualities are, or in order to check that it is satisfactory: Test your brakes to check they are working correctly. | These products have not been tested on animals.
▪ monitor to carefully watch or keep checking someone or something in order to see what happens over a period of time: Doctors monitored her progress during the night. | Observers have been monitoring the situation in Burma closely.
check in phrasal verb
1. if you check in or are checked in at a hotel or airport, you go to the desk and report that you have arrived:
Check in two hours before the flight.
check in at
He checked in at the Europa Hotel.
check somebody ↔ in
Airline employees were checking in passengers. ⇨ ↑check-in
2. check something ↔ in to leave your bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take someone’s bags in order to do this:
I said goodbye and went to check in my suitcases.
3. American English to call someone to tell them that you are safe or where you are:
He just called to check in and tell them how he was doing.
check something ↔ off phrasal verb
to write a mark next to something on a list to show that you have chosen it, dealt with it, or made sure that it is correct:
One by one he checked them off on his register.
check on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to make sure that someone or something is safe, is in a satisfactory state, or is doing what they should be doing:
Honey, can you go upstairs and check on the kids?
My neighbour comes in once a week to check on things and feed the fish.
2. to try to find out if something is true or correct:
He wanted to check on the girl’s story.
check out phrasal verb
1. MAKE SURE
a) check something ↔ out to make sure that something is actually true, correct, or acceptable SYN investigate:
I made a phone call to check out his address.
check something ↔ out with
Check it out with your boss before you do anything.
b) if information checks out, it is proved to be true, correct, or acceptable:
His credit record checks out.
2. LOOK AT SOMEBODY/SOMETHING check somebody/something ↔ out to look at someone or something because they are interesting or attractive:
If I hear about a website that sounds interesting, I check it out.
Hey, check out that car!
3. GET INFORMATION check somebody ↔ out informal to get information about someone, especially to find out if they are suitable for something:
I’ll check them out as potential employers.
4. HOTEL to leave a hotel after paying the bill:
We checked out at noon. ⇨ ↑checkout
5. BOOKS check something ↔ out American English to borrow a book from a library:
The library allows you to check out six books at a time.
check something/somebody ↔ over phrasal verb
1. to look closely at something to make sure it is correct or acceptable:
They spent the rest of the morning checking over their equipment.
2. to examine someone to make sure they are healthy:
I’d like the doctor to check you over and do a few tests.
check up on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to try to find out if someone is doing what they said they would do or what you want them to do:
Don’t worry; no one is going to check up on you.
2. to make sure that something is true or correct:
Dustin called me to check up on some facts.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

check

check [check checks checked checking] verb, noun, exclamation [tʃek] [tʃek]

verb

EXAMINE
1. transitive ~ sth (for sth) to examine sth to see if it is correct, safe or acceptable
• Check the container for cracks or leaks.
• She gave me the minutes of the meeting to read and check.
• Check the oil and water before setting off.
• Check your work before handing it in.

• Customs officers have the right to check all luggage going through customs.

MAKE SURE

2. intransitive, transitive to find out if sth/sb is present, correct or true or if sth is how you think it is
• ‘Is Mary in the office?’ ‘Just a moment. I'll go and check.’
• ~ sth Hang on— I just need to check my email.
• ~ (that)… Go and check (that) I've locked the windows.
• ~ (with sb) (what/whether, etc…) You'd better check with Jane what time she's expecting us tonight.

see also cross-check, double-check

CONTROL

3. transitive ~ sth to control sth; to stop sth from increasing or getting worse
• The government is determined to check the growth of public spending.

• She tied some strips of cloth around the wound to check the bleeding.

4. transitive to stop yourself from saying or doing sth or from showing a particular emotion
• ~ sth to check your anger/laughter/tears

• ~ yourself She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself— it wasn't the right moment.

COATS/BAGS/CASES

5. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) to leave coats, bags, etc. in an official place (called a checkroom) while you are visiting a club, restaurant, etc

• Do you want to check your coats?

6. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) to leave bags or cases with an official so that they can be put on a plane or train

• How many bags are you checking?

MAKE MARK

7. transitive ~ sth (NAmE) (BrE tick) to put a mark (✓) next to an item on a list, an answer, etc
• Check the box next to the right answer.

Word Origin:
v. and exclam. n. senses 1 to 4 and n. senses 6 to 10 Middle English Old French eschec medieval Latin scaccus Arabic Persian šāh ‘king’ Old French eschequier ‘play chess, put in check’ ‘stop or control’ ‘examine the accuracy of’
n. sense 5 late Middle English

Thesaurus:
check verb
1. T
• Check your work before handing it in.
inspect • • examine • • go over sth • • check over sb/sth • • check through sth • • look at sth • |business audit •
check/inspect/examine/check over/check through sth for sth
check/inspect/examine/look at sth to see if/whether…
check/inspect/examine/go over/check over/check through/look at sth carefully
Check, inspect or examine? These words can all be used when you are looking for possible problems. Only check is used about looking for mistakes: ¤ Inspect/Examine your work before handing it in. Only examine is used when looking for the cause of a problem:
• The doctor examined her but could find nothing wrong.
¤ The doctor checked/inspected her but could find nothing wrong.
2. I, T
• Go and check that I've locked the windows.
make sure • |formal verify • • assure yourself •
check/verify sth with sb
check/make sure/verify/assure yourself that…
check/verify what/whether…
Synonyms:
check
examine • inspect • go over sth
These words all mean to look closely to make sure that everything is correct, in good condition, or acceptable.
check • to look at sth closely to make sure that everything is correct, in good condition, safe or satisfactory: ▪ Check your work before handing it in.
examine • to look at sb/sth closely to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem: ▪ The goods were examined for damage on arrival.
inspect • to look at sb/sth closely to make sure that everything is satisfactory; to officially visit a school, factory, etc. in order to check that rules are being obeyed and that standards are acceptable: ▪ Make sure you inspect the goods before signing for them. ◊ ▪ The Tourist Board inspects all recommended hotels at least once a year.
check, examine or inspect?
All these words can be used when you are looking for possible problems, but only check is used for mistakes: Examine/Inspect your work before handing it in. Only examine is used when looking for the cause of a problem: The doctor checked/inspected her but could find nothing wrong. Examine is used more often about a professional person: ▪ The surveyor examined the walls for signs of damp. Inspect is used more often about an official: ▪ Public health officials were called in to inspect the restaurant.
go over sth • to check sth carefully for mistakes, damage or anything dangerous: ▪ Go over your work for spelling mistakes before you hand it in.
to check/examine/inspect/go over (sth) for sth
to check/examine/inspect/go over sth to see if/whether…
to check/examine/inspect/go over sth carefully/thoroughly
Example Bank:
• Always check that the electricity is switched off before you start.
• Check the engine oil level regularly.
• Check the roof for loose slates.
• He was just checking to see if I was in my room.
• I checked with her to see if she needed any help.
• I'll need to check these figures against last year's.
• It's worth checking that there is no rust on the car.
• She began mentally checking off the things on her to-do list.
• The cartons were all checked off as they were unloaded.
• To take advantage of this extra bonus offer, simply check the box on your order form.
• We had better check that all the doors are locked.
• ‘Is Mary in the office?’ ‘Just a moment. I'll go and check.’
• Check the oil and water in the car before setting off.
• Go and check that I've locked the windows.
• She made no effort to check her tears and just let them run down her face.
• She wanted to tell him the whole truth but she checked herself.
• The active ingredient checks the growth of bacteria.
• You'd better check with Jane what time she's expecting us.
Idiom: hold something in check

Derived: check in ▪ check into … ▪ check on somebody ▪ check out ▪ check over something ▪ check somebody off ▪ check somebody out ▪ check something in ▪ check something out ▪ check up on somebody ▪ check up on something

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

check

/tʃek/
(checks, checking, checked)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.
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...
I think there is an age limit, but I’d have to check...
She hadn’t checked whether she had a clean ironed shirt...
He checked that he had his room key...
I shall need to check with the duty officer.
VERB: V n, V, V wh, V that, V with n
see also cross-check
•
Check is also a noun.
He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure.
...a security check.
N-COUNT: usu with supp

2.
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.
VERB: V on n

3.
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; in BRIT, usually use tick)
Frequently, men who check answer (b) have not actually had the experience of being repeatedly rejected by women.
VERB: V n

4.
To check something, usually something bad, means to stop it from spreading or continuing.
Sex education is also expected to help check the spread of AIDS.
= curb
VERB: V n

5.
If you check yourself 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...
I held up one finger to check him.
VERB: V pron-refl, V n

6.
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...
VERB: V n
•
To check in your luggage means the same as to check it.
They checked in their luggage and found seats in the departure lounge.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P

7.
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; in BRIT, use bill)
= bill
N-COUNT

8.
In a game of chess, you say check when you are attacking your opponent’s king.
CONVENTION

9.
A pattern of squares, usually of two colours, can be referred to as checks or a check.
Styles include stripes and checks.
...a red and white check dress.
N-COUNT: oft N n

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.
Life on Earth will become unsustainable unless population growth is held in check...
PHRASE: V inflects

11.
A check is the same as a cheque. (AM)

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹check /ˈʧɛk/ verb checks; checked; check·ing
1 : to look at (something) carefully to find mistakes, problems, etc., or to make sure there is nothing wrong with it

[+ obj]

• Make sure to check your spelling.
• She checked her makeup in the mirror.
• We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly.
• I checked the tires for wear. [=to see if they are worn down/out]
• The guards checked my passport.

[no obj]

- + for
• Be careful to check for any mistakes.
• The border guards checked in my luggage for contraband.
- see also cross-check, double-check, spot-check
2 a : to get information by looking at something, asking about something, etc.

[+ obj]

• He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon.
• I'll just check the map to see where we are.
• I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts.

[no obj]

• We were out of milk last time I checked. [=looked]
• “Do you have these shoes in a larger size?” “I don't know. Let me check.” [=take a look]
• I think the door is locked, but I'll have to check (to be sure).
- often followed by to + verb
• Did you check to see where the movie was playing?
• I checked to make sure the door was locked.
b : to look at or in (a place) in order to find or get something or someone

[+ obj]

• If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer.
• I checked his office but he wasn't there.

[no obj]

• If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet.
c [+ obj] : to find out if you have any (mail, messages, etc.)
• Did you check the mail yet today?
• She checked [=listened to] her phone messages when she got home.
• He logged on and checked [=read] his e-mail.
3 : to talk with someone in order to get approval, information, etc., about something

[no obj]

• I'll have to check with the manager before I can let you in.
• Check with your doctor to find out which drugs are safe.

[+ obj]

• I'm not sure when you should arrive. I'll have to check that with my wife.
4 [+ obj]
a : to slow or stop (something or someone) from doing something
• She started to speak but then checked [=stopped] herself.
• The batter checked his swing. [=the batter started to swing and then stopped]
b hockey : to stop or hit (an opponent) in order to steal the ball or puck, defend the goal, etc.
• He was checked by the defender.
5 [+ obj] US
a : to leave (something you own) with a worker at a restaurant, hotel, etc., who keeps it in a special area or room (called a checkroom) while you are there
• I checked my hat and coat in the restaurant's checkroom.
b : to give (your bags, suitcases, etc.) to a worker so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train
• We checked our bags before boarding.
c : to take (someone's bags, suitcases, etc.) to load them onto a plane or train
• The airline checked our bags before we boarded.
- see also check in 3 (below)
6 [+ obj] US : to mark (something) with a check (✓) to show that it has been done, approved, etc.
• You should check [=(chiefly Brit) tick] each item on the list after you've completed it.
- often + off
• You should check off [=(chiefly Brit) tick off] each item on the list after you've completed it.
7 [no obj] US informal : to be proven to be true, accurate, etc. - usually used in negative statements
• Her story didn't check. [=the evidence did not support her story]
- see also check out 2 (below)
check back [phrasal verb] informal : to return to a place, person, etc., in order to try something again or to get additional information
• We are not hiring today, but check back next month.
• I'll check back with you [=talk to you again] in about a week.
check in [phrasal verb]
1 : to report to someone when you arrive at a place (such as an airport or convention) to let them know you are there
• Passengers must check in one hour before the flight leaves.
• Where do I have to check in? especially; : to arrive at and be given a room in a hotel, motel, etc.
• check in [=register] at a hotel
• Guests cannot check in before 4:00 PM.
- see also check-in
2 US informal : to talk with someone in order to report or find out new information
• I'm just checking in to see how things are going.
- usually + with
• I have to go to a meeting now, but I'll check in with you later.
3 check (something) in or check in (something) : to leave or take bags, suitcases, etc., so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train
• We checked our bags in at the station.
• The airline checked in our luggage.
check into [phrasal verb] check into (something)
1 : to arrive at and be given a room in (a hotel, motel, etc.)
• We checked into a hotel.
2 : to look for information about (something) : to find out the truth about (something) by getting information
• The police are checking into [=checking on, checking up on] his activities. [=the police are investigating his activities]
• A problem like that should really be checked into carefully.
check off on [phrasal verb] check off on (something) US informal : to give official approval for (something)
• My boss will have to check off on [=authorize, approve] my decision.
check on [phrasal verb] check on (someone or something)
1 : to look at or examine (someone or something) to see if there are any problems
• The nurse checked on the patients regularly.
2 : to look for information about (someone or something) : to find out the truth about (someone or something) by getting information
• The police are checking on [=checking up on] him.
• I asked the waiter to check on [=find out what was happening with] my order.
check out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to leave and pay for your room at a hotel, motel, etc.
• We checked out (of the hotel) early.
- see also checkout
b US informal : to die
• There are still a lot of things I want to accomplish in life before I finally check out.
2 US informal
a : to be proven to be accurate, true, etc.
• I didn't believe her at first, but her story checked out.
• The description checked out when we compared it with the photograph. [=we saw that the description was accurate when we compared it with the photograph]
b check out (something) or check (something) out : to find out if (something) is true
• The police are still trying to check out [=investigate, confirm] his alibi.
3 check out (something or someone) or check (something or someone) out
a : to look at (something or someone) in order to find problems, mistakes, etc.
• We carefully checked out the car for defects.
• He had problems with his computer and asked the technician to check it out.
• He needs to get checked out by a doctor.
b informal : to look at (someone or something that is attractive or interesting)
• When she walked into the room, all the guys were checking her out.
• Just check out his new car!
• We're going to the mall to check out that new clothing store.
- often used in the phrase check it out to direct someone's attention to something
• Check it out—they've got that new book in stock.
4 check out (something) or check (something) out
a : to borrow (something) from a library
• He checked out [=took out, borrowed] a book on farming.
b US : to add up the cost of the goods that someone buys in a store (such as a supermarket) and accept payment for them
• She got a job checking out groceries at the supermarket. also; : to pay for the goods that you buy in a store
• There was a long line of people waiting to check out their groceries.
• She was able to check out quickly using her debit card.
- see also checkout
check over [phrasal verb] check (something or someone) over or check over (something or someone) : to look at (something or someone) in a careful way to find problems, mistakes, etc.
• checking the new cars over
• The doctors checked him over for bruises.
• Be sure to check over each item on the list for any mistakes.
• She checked herself over [=she looked at herself carefully] in the mirror before going to the party.
check through [phrasal verb] check through (something) : to look at the parts of (a group of things)
• I checked through all his letters but found nothing useful.
check up on [phrasal verb] check up on (someone or something) : to find or look for information about (someone or something) often in order to find out the truth
• My parents are always checking up on me.
• The police are checking up on his alibi.
- check·able adj
• an easily checkable fact