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

Ms. W. did her usual check-in and I almost didn’t hear or see her, I was watching Claire so carefully using my peripheral vision.

From Literature

Now, he is annoyed that assigned seats in the front cost more than the priority check-in option that used to get him on the plane early.

From The Wall Street Journal

Budget airlines are offering more premium options in an attempt to increase revenue, including Spirit, which introduced new fare bundles in 2024 with priority check-in and their take on a first-class experience.

From Los Angeles Times

His most recent check-in with ICE was Dec. 29, 2025, according to court documents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yanez said the last time she spoke to her father was Jan. 3, a usual check-in when he asked about her children as she walked home from work.

From Los Angeles Times