checkpoint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal. Common in military, security, computing, and project management contexts.
Quick answer
What does “checkpoint” mean?
A place, especially along a border or during a journey, where officials stop people and vehicles to inspect documents, search for illegal goods, or verify identity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place, especially along a border or during a journey, where officials stop people and vehicles to inspect documents, search for illegal goods, or verify identity.
In computing, a checkpoint is a saved state of a system or application, allowing it to be restored later. Figuratively, it refers to any point where progress is assessed or a milestone is reached.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in UK English in historical/military contexts (e.g., Berlin Checkpoint Charlie). US English may use it more frequently in computing and business metaphors.
Connotations
Both share connotations of security, control, and verification. The UK usage may retain stronger historical/military associations.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “checkpoint” in a Sentence
set up a checkpointgo through a checkpointstop at a checkpointcheckpoint for (inspecting something)checkpoint between (two places)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “checkpoint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system will checkpoint the user's progress automatically.
- We need to checkpoint the data before proceeding.
American English
- The software checkpoints your work every few minutes.
- Let's checkpoint our current status before the meeting.
adjective
British English
- The checkpoint procedure was lengthy.
- We have a checkpoint meeting scheduled.
American English
- The checkpoint line moved slowly.
- This is a checkpoint feature in the software.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A project checkpoint is scheduled for next Friday to review the budget.
Academic
The researcher used the data from the first survey as a checkpoint for longitudinal analysis.
Everyday
Let's use this café as a checkpoint before we continue our walk.
Technical
The database creates an automatic recovery checkpoint every hour.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “checkpoint”
- Using 'check point' as two words (it's a closed compound noun).
- Confusing 'checkpoint' with 'milestone' (a milestone celebrates achievement; a checkpoint verifies status).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, closed compound word: 'checkpoint'.
A 'checkpoint' is for verification, assessment, or control during a process. A 'milestone' is a significant achievement or event marking a stage in development.
Yes, especially in computing and project management (e.g., 'The system will checkpoint the data'). It is less common in everyday speech.
Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.
A place, especially along a border or during a journey, where officials stop people and vehicles to inspect documents, search for illegal goods, or verify identity.
Checkpoint is usually neutral to formal. common in military, security, computing, and project management contexts. in register.
Checkpoint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek.pɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek.pɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A checkpoint in life”
- “A checkpoint in one's career”
- “Hit a checkpoint”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHECKpoint as a place where you must STOP so officials can CHECK your POINT of entry or progress.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENT IS A JOURNEY WITH CHECKPOINTS (e.g., 'Graduation was a major checkpoint in her life').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'checkpoint' LEAST likely to be used?