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• check-in
  check-in

  noun

  the act or fact of checking in.
• check in
  check in

  verb

  (intr) to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report

check-in

American  

[chek-in] / ˈtʃɛkˌɪn /

noun

1. the act or fact of checking in.

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check in British  

verb

1. (intr) to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report

2. (tr) to register the arrival of (passengers, etc)

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noun

1. 1. the formal registration of arrival, as at an airport or a hotel

   2. ( as modifier )

      check-in time

2. the place where one registers arrival at an airport, etc

check in Idioms  

1. 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.

2. Die, as in With the plane rapidly losing fuel, the pilot was sure he'd check in . [ Slang ; early 1900s] Also see check out .

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Etymology

Origin of check-in

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase check in

Example Sentences

“Connect. Check in with the person and see how they are doing. If they mention an emotion, acknowledge and validate it.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

“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 on neighbours, friends or relatives who may struggle with the heat, especially those who live alone."

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

"I hope you'll get married someday. And have me over for dinner once in a while. Check in on me. Make sure I'm not living backstage under a costume rack somewhere."

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper