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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

Check in closer to the date of the party, says Matt Abrahams, a communication consultant and lecturer in organizational behavior at Stanford University.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 28, 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 on neighbours, friends or relatives who may struggle with the heat, especially those who live alone."

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

Check in on friends and family who seem to be withdrawing from the world — sometimes people just need to know that they have options.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

"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