- 1[countable] check (for/on something) an act of making sure that something is safe, correct, or in good condition by examining it Could you give the tires a check? a health check The drugs were found in their car during a routine check by police. a check for spelling mistakes I'll just have a quick check to see if the letter's arrived yet. It is vital to keep a check on your speed (= look at it regularly in order to control it). see reality check investigation
- 2[countable] check (on somebody/something) an investigation to find out more information about something The police ran a check on the license plate number of the car. Was any check made on Mr. Morris when he applied for the position?
- 3(Canadian English usually cheque) [countable] a printed form that you can write on and sign as a way of paying for something instead of using money a check for $50 to write a check to make a check out to someone to pay by check to cash a check (= to get or give money for a check) see blank check, cashier's check, personal check, traveler's check
- 4[countable] a piece of paper that shows how much you have to pay for the food and drinks that you have had in a restaurant Can I have the check, please? compare bill Thesaurusbill
- account
- invoice
- check
- bill a list of goods that you have bought or services that you have used, showing how much you owe; the price or cost of something:the gas bill
- account an arrangement with a store or business to pay bills for goods or services at a later time, for example in regular amounts every month:Put it on my account please.
- invoice a bill for goods that someone has bought or work that has been done for somone:The contractor sent an invoice for $750.
- You would get a bill (or check) in a restaurant, bar, or hotel; a bill from a company that supplies you with gas, electricity, etc.; or a bill from somebody whose property you have damaged. An invoice is for goods supplied or work done as agreed between a customer and a supplier.
- check a piece of paper that shows how much you have to pay for the food and drinks that you have had in a restaurant:Can I have the check, please? Let's split the check (= let's each pay half).
- the bill/invoice/check for something
- to pay/settle a(n) bill/account/invoice/check
- to put something on the/somebody's bill/account/invoice/check
control - 5[countable] check (on/to something) (formal) something that delays the progress of something else or stops it from getting worse A cold spring will provide a natural check on the number of insects. the most fundamental check to the power of the executive branch of government
- 6checks [plural] (formal) rules that are designed to control the amount of power, especially political power, that one person or group has see checks and balances mark
- 7(also check mark) [countable] a mark (✓) put beside a written answer or an item on a list, usually to show that it has been checked, or done, or is correct compare cross, X
- 8[countable, uncountable] a pattern of squares, usually of two colors Do you prefer checks or stripes? see checked for coats/bags
- 9[countable] coat check a place in a club, restaurant, etc. where you can leave your coat or bag
- 10[countable] a ticket that you get when you leave your coat, bag, etc. in, for example, a restaurant or theater in hockey
- 11[countable] an act of pushing or hitting someone hard with your body or a stick in order to stop them in game
- 12[uncountable] (in chess) a position in which a player's king (= the most important piece) can be directly attacked by the other player's pieces There, you're in check. see checkmate Idioms
examination
to keep something under control so that it does not spread or get worse Maggie managed to keep her temper in check. The epidemic was held in check by widespread vaccination.
to refuse an offer or invitation but say that you might accept it later “Are you coming for a drink?” “Can I take a rain check? I must get this finished tonight.”
Check pronunciation: check