chequers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “chequers” mean?
a pattern of alternating coloured squares, typically black and white.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a pattern of alternating coloured squares, typically black and white
to mark with a pattern of squares; to cause irregular variation or fluctuation; to inspect or verify systematically; (figuratively) to diversify or mark with contrasts
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'chequers' (verb) is a standard, though somewhat formal, term for marking with squares or verifying. In American English, the verb is less common, with 'checker' (spelled with '-er') being the preferred variant. The pattern is called 'check' in American English (e.g., a check pattern). The British Prime Minister's official country residence is 'Chequers'.
Connotations
British: technical (fabric design, heraldry), formal verification, association with governance (via 'Chequers'). American: primarily the visual pattern (check), less formal; the verb 'checker' can imply random, disruptive patterning.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. Higher in British English in specific contexts (textiles, formal documents, political reporting).
Grammar
How to Use “chequers” in a Sentence
[NP] chequers [NP] (e.g., 'sunlight chequers the forest floor')[NP] is chequered with [NP] (e.g., 'his past is chequered with controversy')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chequers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dappled sunlight chequered the garden path.
- His report was chequered with minor inaccuracies.
- Decades of policy shifts have chequered the nation's economic landscape.
American English
- The forest floor was checkered with patches of light and shadow. (Note spelling)
- Her academic record is checkered by periods of intense study and prolonged absence.
adverb
British English
- The light fell chequeredly through the blinds. (Rare, formal)
- The fields lay chequered across the valley.
American English
- The land was divided checkeredly into plots. (Extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- He wore a chequered shirt to the casual event.
- The regiment had a chequered battle standard.
- They reviewed the company's chequered financial history.
American English
- He wore a checkered shirt. (Note spelling)
- The team has a checkered past, including both championships and scandals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possible in 'chequered performance' to describe inconsistent financial results.
Academic
Used in history ('a chequered history of relations'), art/design (patterns), textiles.
Everyday
Very low. Mostly recognised via 'chequered flag' (sports) or 'chequered history'.
Technical
Textile manufacturing, graphic design, heraldry, motorsport.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chequers”
- Misspelling as 'checkers' in a British context (though acceptable in US). Using 'chequers' as a singular noun for one square (a 'chequer' is one square). Confusing the pattern with 'plaid' or 'tartan'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. The game is played on a board with a chequered pattern, hence the name. In the US, the game is called 'checkers', while in the UK it's 'draughts', but the board is still a 'chequerboard'.
Use 'chequered' in British English contexts. Use 'checkered' in American English contexts. The meaning is identical.
It describes something with a past containing both positive and negative events, successes and failures, creating a mixed or varied record.
Yes, but it is a proper noun referring specifically to Chequers Court, the British Prime Minister's official country residence. The name originates from the 'chequer' pattern associated with an early owner.
a pattern of alternating coloured squares, typically black and white.
Chequers is usually formal, technical in register.
Chequers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɛkərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chequered past/history/career (having a varied history with both good and bad phases)”
- “chequered flag (motorsport: flag marking the end of a race)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHESSboard with its CHECKered squares. 'Chequers' has a 'Q' like 'Queen' on a chessboard.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A CHEQUERED PATTERN (implying alternating phases of good and bad fortune, light and dark).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'chequers' (noun)?