chequer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “chequer” mean?
To mark or divide into a pattern of squares, typically of alternating colours like a chessboard.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To mark or divide into a pattern of squares, typically of alternating colours like a chessboard.
To vary in character, quality, or mood in an irregular pattern; to subject something to alternating phases of good and bad fortune.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'chequer' is almost exclusively British. In the US, the spelling is 'checker' for all senses. The British spelling 'chequer' is retained in specific names and compounds (e.g., 'chequerboard').
Connotations
Identical in meaning; difference is purely orthographic.
Frequency
Much more frequent in the UK, particularly in the adjectival form 'chequered'. In the US, the spelling 'checker' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “chequer” in a Sentence
[verb] something (with something)[past participle adjective] + noun (e.g., a chequered history)be chequered by somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chequer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sunlight managed to chequer the forest floor through the dense canopy.
- His early career was chequered with both brilliant successes and dismal failures.
American English
- Note: In US English, the spelling would be 'checker' (e.g., The years had checkered his beard with grey).
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverbial form; 'in a chequered fashion' is possible but rare.
American English
- Not a standard adverbial form; 'in a checkered manner' is possible but rare.
adjective
British English
- He applied for the role despite his somewhat chequered employment history.
- The village hall had a classic chequered tile floor.
American English
- Note: In US English, the spelling would be 'checkered' (e.g., The team's checkered record made fans nervous).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a company's volatile financial history.
Academic
Used in historical or biographical writing to describe a subject's varied experiences.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; mostly found in written descriptions.
Technical
In design/art for describing a specific square pattern; in motorsport for the 'chequered flag'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chequer”
- Using 'chequered' to mean only 'successful' (it implies a mix).
- Spelling it as 'checkered' in a strictly British context.
- Using it as a verb in simple present tense in everyday speech (sounds archaic/formal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the same word with different spellings. 'Chequer' is the standard British spelling, while 'checker' is the standard American spelling.
No, the verb 'to chequer' is quite formal and literary. The adjectival form 'chequered' (as in 'a chequered history') is far more common.
Rarely on its own. It inherently suggests a mixture of positive and negative elements. A 'chequered career' implies notable ups and downs.
It originates from the name of the game 'chess' (via Old French 'eschequier' from 'eschec', meaning 'check' in chess) and refers to the pattern on a chessboard.
To mark or divide into a pattern of squares, typically of alternating colours like a chessboard.
Chequer is usually formal, literary in register.
Chequer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A chequered past/history/career”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHESSboard with a QUEEN (CHE-QUER) on it—both have a chequered pattern of squares.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A CHEQUERED BOARD (implying a mix of good/fortune, light/dark, success/failure spaces).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chequered' most idiomatically used?