noun

checksum

CHEK-sum

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Checksum (noun) means a number worked out from a set of data and used to check whether the data has been altered or corrupted. Example: “The download page lists a checksum so you can confirm the file arrived intact.”

noun

mathematics, computing A number worked out from a set of data and used to check whether the data has been altered or corrupted.

"The download page lists a checksum so you can confirm the file arrived intact."

"If the checksum does not match, the file was probably corrupted during transfer."

"Software installers often list a checksum so users can verify the download wasn't corrupted."

verb

mathematics, computing To calculate a checksum for a piece of data.

"The program checksums each file before saving it to disk."

"You can checksum the archive to make sure nothing was lost in transit."

Examples of checksum in a sentence →

How to use checksum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA number that lets you check a piece of data hasn't been altered.

When to use it

It is a technical term mostly used in computing and mathematics contexts.

Memory tip

Think of it as a data fingerprint: if it changes, something in the file has changed too.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

calculate a checksum verify the checksum checksum mismatch matching checksum

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “checksum” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The download page lists a _____ so you can confirm the file arrived intact.

Etymology

Checksum is formed from check and sum, reflecting how a value is summed up from the data so it can be checked later.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is a checksum used for?

It is used to check whether data has been changed or corrupted during storage, entry or transmission.

How is a checksum calculated?

An algorithm is applied to a set of data to produce a single number that represents it.

Can checksum be used as a verb?

Yes, to checksum something means to compute its checksum.

What is the meaning of checksum?

"checksum" (noun) means a number worked out from a set of data and used to check whether the data has been altered or corrupted.