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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishEither literally patterned in squares, or figuratively full of both good and bad episodes.
Common pairings
checkered flag
checkered past
checkered history
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like checkered.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more checkered
- Superlative
- most checkered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The racers crossed the finish line beneath a _____ flag.
Synonyms
View more →
chequered
checked
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for checkered
See all rhymes for checkered →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.
