checkers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, everyday, AmE.
Quick answer
What does “checkers” mean?
A board game for two players, each with 12 pieces that move diagonally on a black and red chequered board with the aim of capturing all the opponent's pieces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A board game for two players, each with 12 pieces that move diagonally on a black and red chequered board with the aim of capturing all the opponent's pieces.
The pieces used in the game of checkers; also used more broadly to refer to a pattern of squares resembling the board of this game, or to denote someone or something that checks/verifies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British and Commonwealth English, the game is called 'draughts' (pronounced /drɑːfts/). 'Checkers' is the American English term. The British use 'chequered' for the pattern; Americans use 'checkered'.
Connotations
In AmE, 'checkers' is a simple, classic game often associated with childhood and informal play. The term 'checkered' (as in 'checkered past') can imply a history of varied fortunes.
Frequency
In AmE, 'checkers' is the standard, high-frequency term for the game. In BrE, 'checkers' is rarely used for the game, but 'chequers' appears in names (e.g., Chequers pub).
Grammar
How to Use “checkers” in a Sentence
[play] + checkers[a board/set] + of checkersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checkers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was checkerboarding the floor tiles.
American English
- She checked his work meticulously.
adjective
British English
- They drove on the chequered flag surface.
American English
- He has a checkered career history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in metaphor ('a checkered history' of a company).
Academic
Used primarily in historical or game theory contexts.
Everyday
Commonly refers to the game or the pattern.
Technical
In computing, can refer to a 'checkerboard pattern' used in graphics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “checkers”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “checkers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checkers”
- Using 'checkers' in BrE to mean the game (should be 'draughts').
- Confusing 'checkers' (game) with 'chess'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a singular noun for the game ('Checkers is fun'), but plural for the pieces ('I lost three checkers').
They are the same game. 'Checkers' is the American English term; 'draughts' is the British/Commonwealth English term.
Yes, especially in American English, 'a checkered past/history' implies a past with both good and bad, often controversial, episodes.
Not commonly. The related verb is 'to check' (to verify). The pattern is described as 'checkered' or 'chequered'.
A board game for two players, each with 12 pieces that move diagonally on a black and red chequered board with the aim of capturing all the opponent's pieces.
Checkers is usually informal, everyday, ame. in register.
Checkers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “checkered past (AmE)/chequered past (BrE): a history of varied and dubious experiences.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHECK the boardERS' – you check the borders of the squares in the game.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME OF CHECKERS (involving strategy, moves, and captures).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a CORRECT usage of 'checkers' in American English?