checkered

adjective

check·​ered ˈche-kərd How to pronounce checkered (audio)
Synonyms of checkerednext
1
: marked by alternating squares of different colors, shades, or materials
a checkered fabric
checkered tablecloths
see also checkered flag
2
: marked by alternation or contrast of fortune
… the best album of his checkered career.—Mark Coleman
especially : marked by many problems or failures
… had a checkered past that included convictions for battery and tax evasion. —Charlotte Triggs et al.

Examples of checkered in a Sentence

He has had a checkered career with many ups and downs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These Pizza Hut classic locations include red roofs, checkered tablecloths, vinyl booths, arcade games and Tiffany-style lamps. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The colorful fixtures became one of the chain’s most recognizable design elements alongside the red roof, vinyl booths, red cups and checkered tablecloths. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026 Leaning even more into the vintage patterns and textiles that shaped her inaugural capsule, the designer particularly emphasized florals applied in repeating motifs, geometric stripes, plaids, and checkered prints. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026 Fans noticed that Temple, in costume as PR woman Keeley Jones, had her hair tied in ponytails and wore an Oz-some checkered dress. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for checkered

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chekyred, from cheker checker entry 1 + -ed -ed entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of checkered was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing checkered

Rhymes for checkered

See All Rhymes for checkered

Browse Nearby Words

checker-brick
checkered
checkered adder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Checkered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkered. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

checkered

adjective
: marked by changes of fortune
a checkered career
especially : marked by many problems
a checkered past

More from Merriam-Webster on checkered

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for checkered

Nglish: Translation of checkered for Spanish Speakers

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