check-in
noun
the act or fact of checking in.
check-in
American
[chek-in]
/ ˈtʃɛkˌɪn /
noun
-
check-ins
plural
check in
British
verb
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(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
He leaves his ID and keys with the lady at check-in, and a second guard lifts his chin as Jus approaches the metal detector.
From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone
Ask him to check in with you for every step.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
He was released from custody and ordered to check in with a Mexican immigration court every two weeks, but instead, he traveled to Germany, FBI officials said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
"I check in to keep people informed so I don't have mountain rescue out looking for me."
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 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
Mr. da Silva leaves and returns with a store-credit check in the amount of two hundred dollars.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
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
What will be the Tartan Army's Boston legacy as the sporrans are soon to get packed away and the online check-ins start for flights to Miami?
From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026
The ruling requires judges to consider conditions of release — drug treatment, check-ins, social services referrals, in serious cases ankle monitoring — before resorting to money bail or detention.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 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.
