check mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; widely used in administrative, educational, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “check mark” mean?
A small mark (✓) used to indicate that an item on a list or a task is correct, completed, approved, or chosen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small mark (✓) used to indicate that an item on a list or a task is correct, completed, approved, or chosen.
The concept of verification, approval, or successful completion, often used metaphorically to signify something is done or correct.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term 'tick' is the primary, standard equivalent. 'Check mark' is understood but perceived as American. In American English, 'check mark' is standard; 'tick' is rarely used in this context.
Connotations
Same connotations of correctness/completion, but 'tick' (UK) is slightly more informal and conversational than 'check mark' (US).
Frequency
'Tick' is overwhelmingly more frequent in UK English. 'Check mark' is overwhelmingly more frequent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “check mark” in a Sentence
Put/place a check mark [next to/in the box for] X.X has a check mark (next to it).Check mark indicates [completion/approval].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “check mark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please tick the box if you agree.
- The teacher ticked the correct answers.
American English
- Please check the box if you agree.
- She checked off the items on the list.
adverb
British English
- N/A (This part of speech is not standard for 'check mark/tick').
American English
- N/A (This part of speech is not standard for 'check mark/tick').
adjective
British English
- A ticked box means you consent.
- Look for the ticked items.
American English
- A checked box means you consent.
- The checked items are ready to ship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used on reports, lists, and forms to signify tasks are finished or items are approved.
Academic
Used by teachers to mark correct answers on tests or assignments.
Everyday
Used on shopping lists, to-do lists, and simple forms.
Technical
Used in user interfaces (UI) to show a selected option or a completed step in a process.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “check mark”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “check mark”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “check mark”
- Using 'checkmark' as one word is common but less standard than 'check mark' (two words).
- Using 'check mark' in formal UK English texts instead of 'tick'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a common variant, especially in digital contexts, but most formal dictionaries and style guides list it as two words: 'check mark'. 'Tick' (UK) is always one word.
It will be understood, but it is distinctly American. For natural British English, use 'tick'.
Typically an 'X' or a cross. In multiple-choice tests, a check mark/tick means 'correct' and a cross often means 'incorrect'.
No, the symbol (✓) is identical. Only the name for it differs: 'tick' in the UK, 'check mark' or 'check' in the US.
A small mark (✓) used to indicate that an item on a list or a task is correct, completed, approved, or chosen.
Check mark is usually neutral to informal; widely used in administrative, educational, and everyday contexts. in register.
Check mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪk ˌmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛk ˌmɑrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Check mark in the box (metaphor for meeting a requirement).”
- “Get the check mark (to be approved).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'check' list. A 'mark' shows the 'check' is done. So, a CHECK MARK helps you CHECK things off.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECT IS CHECKED / COMPLETION IS MARKED.
Practice
Quiz
Which term would a British teacher most likely use when marking a correct answer?