checkup

American  

[chek-uhp] / ˈtʃɛkˌʌp /

noun

1. a comprehensive physical examination.

   He went to the doctor for a checkup.

2. an examination or close scrutiny, as for verification, accuracy, or comparison.

   They gave the motor a checkup.

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checkup British  

/ ˈtʃɛkˌʌp /

noun

1. an examination to see if something is in order

2. med a medical examination, esp one taken at regular intervals to verify a normal state of health or discover a disease in its early stages

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verb

1. to investigate or make an inquiry into (a person's character, evidence, etc), esp when suspicions have been aroused

Etymology

Origin of checkup

1885–90, noun use of verb phrase check up

Explanation

When your doctor gives you a physical exam, you can call it a checkup. During a checkup, you'll probably be weighed and have your blood pressure taken. You might get a yearly checkup at your doctor's office, or go in for a checkup after a minor car accident, just to make sure you're okay. A routine visit to the dentist is also a checkup. The word checkup first appeared around 1920, from the idea that a doctor has a checklist of things to test or examine.

Example Sentences

At a routine 20-week checkup, however, she learned that she was suffering from preterm premature rupture of membranes and that her baby would not survive.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

He expected to get an update when he went back in two weeks for a checkup.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

That kind of invasive sampling is not something that can be done during a routine checkup.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

But there’s a difference between a doctor who catches something early on a routine checkup, and a doctor who runs into the waiting room yelling, “Cancel my afternoon appointments.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 5, 2025

He had gone for his checkup, and Dr. Grossman had been satisfied with his health, though he had suggested that he get more rest.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Related Words

• inspection
• scan