checkmate
Checkmate (noun) means In chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture. Example: “He achieved checkmate in just twelve moves.”
How to use checkmate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe chess-ending move, or, more broadly, any total and unbeatable defeat.
Word forms
checkmated past tense, checkmates plural, checkmates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He achieved _____ in just twelve moves.
Etymology
From Old French eschec mat, ultimately from Persian shah mat, meaning "the king is helpless" or "the king is stunned."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for checkmate
See all rhymes for checkmate →Frequently asked questions
What does “checkmate” mean?
The word “checkmate” means in chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture. In plain terms, the chess-ending move, or, more broadly, any total and unbeatable defeat.
How do you pronounce “checkmate”?
“Checkmate” is pronounced CHEHK-mayt (/ˈt͡ʃɛkmeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “checkmate” in a sentence?
Here is “checkmate” used in a sentence: “He achieved checkmate in just twelve moves.”
What is another word for “checkmate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “checkmate” include mate.
What part of speech is “checkmate”?
Depending on how it is used, “checkmate” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “checkmate” come from?
The word “checkmate” comes from Old French. From Old French eschec mat, ultimately from Persian shah mat, meaning "the king is helpless" or "the king is stunned.".
How many meanings does “checkmate” have?
“Checkmate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture.