check-in
noun
the act or fact of checking in.
check-in
American
[chek-in]
/ ˈtʃɛkˌɪn /
noun
-
check-ins
plural
check in
British
verb
-
(intr) to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report
-
(tr) to register the arrival of (passengers, etc)
noun
-
-
the formal registration of arrival, as at an airport or a hotel
-
( as modifier )
check-in time
-
-
the place where one registers arrival at an airport, etc
check in
Idioms
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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 .
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
The son had missed an immigration check-in, imperiling his chances of remaining in the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
Those hoping to get on a flight have been stuck at JKIA, with some spending the night in and around the check-in areas waiting for news.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
At Narita, sleeping bags piled up as passengers slept all over the terminal, with massive lines forming for check-in across the airport.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
No waiting around for that 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. hotel check-in to feel alive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
It seems like hours, but in minutes we’re at the check-in gate.
From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
Bezos is expected to invest in the deal through K5 Global, a major SpaceX investor run by Michael Kives and Bryan Baum that would make the largest check in the deal, the people said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
It further advised residents never to leave pets or children unattended in vehicles, and to check in on loved ones.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026
"But when you come down, come and be safe. Swim near an open lifeguard tower, check in with that lifeguard for current ocean conditions and what's going on in that area as far as hazards."
From Barron's ● Aug. 1, 2026
During the episode, Prince Harry called Meghan to check in, with producers handing her the phone.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
“I’ll check in later in case you change your mind.”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Some relied on structured phone sessions, journaling paired with brief check-ins, or digital tools such as apps and text messages.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026
During her time at Apple, Dorman helped build a form-factor prototype for one of Cook’s routine check-ins with the team.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026
As a result, many people accused of being in the country illegally have been detained and separated from their families when they show up for routine hearings and check-ins at courthouses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
CPL says its welfare processes are the "gold standard", Channel 4 says the programme has "robust" welfare systems including background checks, daily check-ins and psychological support.
From BBC ● May 20, 2026
But I always miss our study sessions and homework check-ins when summer comes.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
