check

Check is a versatile term in English with several distinct senses across finance, games, design, verification, and governance. Although related in some uses, many meanings developed independently.

In finance, a cheque (British) or check (American) is a written order to a bank to pay a set amount from the drawer's account to a payee. It can be drawn on a specific bank or cash-management account. Cheques are cleared through banking networks; electronic checks and real-time transfers are increasingly common. Security features and authentication help reduce fraud, and the use of paper checks has declined in many places.

In games, "check" is a chess term and a general verb meaning to threaten the opponent's king. If the king is under threat, the position is "in check"; if no legal move can escape, it is checkmate. The word also appears in fashion and textiles: a check or checks refers to a square or grid-like pattern, often described as plaid or tartan-like.

As a verb in everyday language, to check means to examine or verify something, such as checking results or checking for errors. A checklist is a structured list used to ensure steps are completed. A health check or medical checkup is a routine examination.

In governance, checks and balances refer to mechanisms that prevent the abuse of power by distributing authority among separate branches.

In computing and UI, a check box is a control that can be selected or cleared, and a check mark (tick) indicates approval or completion.