noun
checkmate
CHEHK-mayt
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.”
noun
1
In chess, the winning move that traps the opponent's king with no way to escape capture.
"He achieved checkmate in just twelve moves."
2
Figuratively, a complete and inescapable defeat in any situation.
"With the evidence laid out, it was checkmate for the defense."
verb
1
To defeat an opponent's king so it cannot escape capture, or to put someone in an inescapable losing position.
"She checkmated her opponent in a stunning final move."
How to use checkmate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe chess-ending move, or, more broadly, any total and unbeatable defeat.
Common pairings
declare checkmate
checkmate in X moves
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like checkmate.
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
- Plural
- checkmates
- Third person singular
- checkmates
- Past tense
- checkmated
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
View more →Related words
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.
