checker

¹

[ chek-er ]

noun

1. a small, usually red or black disk of plastic or wood, used in playing checkers.
2. checkers,
   1. alsocalledcomma British, draughts [drafts, drahfts]. (used with a singular verb) a game played by two persons, each with 12 playing pieces, on a checkerboard.
   2. (in a regenerative furnace) loosely stacked brickwork through which furnace gases and incoming air are passed in turn, so that the heat of the exhaust is absorbed and later transferred to the incoming air.
3. a checkered pattern.
4. one of the squares of a checkered pattern.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark like a checkerboard.
2. to diversify in color; variegate.
3. to diversify in character; subject to alternations:

   Sorrow and joy have checkered his life.

checker

²

[ chek-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that checks.
2. a cashier, as in a supermarket or cafeteria.
3. a person who checks coats, baggage, etc.

checker

¹

/ ˈtʃɛkə /

noun

1. a cashier, esp in a supermarket
2. an attendant in a cloakroom, left-luggage office, etc

checker

²

/ ˈtʃɛkə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of chequer

noun

1. textiles a variant spelling of chequer
2. any one of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of checkers Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)draughtsman

Word History and Origins

Origin of checker¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English check(i)er, chequer, chekker “chessboard, checkerboard,” from Old French eschequier, eschaquier (by shortening), equivalent to eschec + -er; check ¹, -er ²

Origin of checker²

First recorded in 1525–35; check ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

But the history is checkered and the beauty is blemished.

From Los Angeles Times

Her urban polish was a contrast to the stereotypical copper country getup of checkered shirt, western-style belt buckle, bolo tie and Stetson hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the ship had a checkered safety record, the Coast Guard said it passed inspection last September.

From Salon

The bar’s early clientele was mostly blue-collar workers who came for the chess and checker boards, pool tables and to throw darts.

From Los Angeles Times

The Games have a checkered history with gender equality — most women were prohibited from even watching the competition in ancient Greece.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• auditor
• controller
• detective
• investigator
• monitor
• police officer