check-in
Americannoun
verb
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(intr) to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report
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(tr) to register the arrival of (passengers, etc)
noun
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the formal registration of arrival, as at an airport or a hotel
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( as modifier )
check-in time
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the place where one registers arrival at an airport, etc
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Record one's arrival at a hotel, conference, or other function, as in I asked the hotel if we could check in early . [Early 1900s] Also see check into , def. 2.
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Die, as in With the plane rapidly losing fuel, the pilot was sure he'd check in . [ Slang ; early 1900s] Also see check out .
Etymology
Origin of check-in
First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase check in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Check in with her on the day; your and your mom may have fewer Thanksgivings left than you think.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 27, 2025
“Moving exposure by 60% is unprecedented, and it’s why we’re now moving so aggressively to roll out Face Check in additional markets.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025
Check in with Pippi, the 10-year-old cat who lives there.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2025
Check in with your insurance agent to make sure you’re getting the appropriate coverage at the best price.
From Salon • Oct. 28, 2024
“Sweep the area. Check in every sixty seconds. Clear?”
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.