checkmark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal. Most common in written instructions, forms, and digital interfaces.
Quick answer
What does “checkmark” mean?
A mark (✓) made to indicate that an item on a list is correct, chosen, approved, or verified.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mark (✓) made to indicate that an item on a list is correct, chosen, approved, or verified.
A visual symbol representing completion, correctness, approval, or selection; by extension, any sign of validation or success.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'checkmark' is overwhelmingly American. The British English equivalent is typically 'tick' (noun and verb). 'Checkmark' is understood in the UK but identified as American usage.
Connotations
In AmE, it's a standard, neutral term. In BrE, using 'checkmark' may sound slightly technical or Americanised.
Frequency
Very high frequency in AmE; low frequency in BrE, where 'tick' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “checkmark” in a Sentence
Put/Place a checkmark [next to/in] the correct answer.A checkmark [appears/indicates] completion.The item with the checkmark [is/was] selected.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checkmark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please tick the box.
- She ticked all the completed items.
American English
- Please check the box.
- He checked off the tasks as he finished them.
adjective
British English
- The ticked box indicates consent.
- A ticked item on the list.
American English
- The checked box indicates consent.
- A checked item on the list.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used on forms, to-do lists, and project management software to denote completed tasks or approved items.
Academic
Used by teachers/instructors to mark correct answers on tests or assignments.
Everyday
Used on shopping lists, paper forms, and basic digital checklists.
Technical
A UI/UX element in software and web forms; a boolean state indicator (checked/unchecked).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checkmark”
- Spelling as two words: 'check mark' (acceptable but less common as one word in AmE).
- Using 'checkmark' as a verb in formal writing (use 'to check' or 'to tick').
- Confusing the 'checkmark' (✓) with the 'check box' (the square box it goes in).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern American English, it is increasingly written as one word ('checkmark'), though 'check mark' is also acceptable. British English prefers 'tick'.
Informally, sometimes in AmE (e.g., 'Checkmark that item'), but it's non-standard. The standard verbs are 'to check' (AmE) or 'to tick' (BrE).
A 'checkbox' is the empty square (☐) in a form. A 'checkmark' (✓) is the symbol that goes inside the checkbox to select it (☑).
While widely recognized in Western contexts, it is not universal. In some countries (e.g., Finland, Sweden), a checkmark (✓) can mean 'incorrect,' and a diagonal cross (✗) means 'correct.'
A mark (✓) made to indicate that an item on a list is correct, chosen, approved, or verified.
Checkmark is usually neutral to informal. most common in written instructions, forms, and digital interfaces. in register.
Checkmark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the checkmark of approval (informal).”
- “A checkmark on the bucket list (metaphorical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHECKlist; when you're done with an item, you MARK it with a ✓. CHECK + MARK = CHECKMARK.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL/COMPLETION IS A VISIBLE MARK (✓).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the most common British English equivalent for the American noun 'checkmark'?