adj

checkered

Checkered (adj) means Patterned with a grid of alternating light and dark squares. Example: “The racers crossed the finish line beneath a checkered flag.”

adj

Patterned with a grid of alternating light and dark squares.

"The racers crossed the finish line beneath a checkered flag."

"She wore a checkered skirt to the interview."

Marked by ups and downs, controversy, or a mix of successes and failures.

"The politician had a checkered past full of scandals and comebacks."

How to use checkered

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither literally patterned in squares, or figuratively full of both good and bad episodes.

Common pairings

checkered flag checkered past checkered history

Word forms

more checkered comparative, most checkered superlative

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The racers crossed the finish line beneath a _____ flag.

Rhymes for checkered

entered tapered covered ordered altered powered layered watered revered angered severed catered

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Frequently asked questions

What does “checkered” mean?

The word “checkered” means patterned with a grid of alternating light and dark squares. In plain terms, either literally patterned in squares, or figuratively full of both good and bad episodes.

How do you use “checkered” in a sentence?

Here is “checkered” used in a sentence: “The racers crossed the finish line beneath a checkered flag.”

What part of speech is “checkered”?

“Checkered” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “checkered” have?

“Checkered” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: patterned with a grid of alternating light and dark squares.