checklist

American

[chek-list] / ˈtʃɛkˌlɪst /

noun

Also check list a list of items, as names or tasks, for comparison, verification, or other checking purposes.

verb (used with object)

to enter (an item) on a checklist.

verb (used without object)

to enter items on a checklist.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

checklists

plural

Etymology

Origin of checklist

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; check ¹ + list ¹

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:

checklist checklists

Streeting "issues checklist for coping after catastrophe" and to "be prepared with 3 days of supplies", the Times reports.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

Navigating her self-imposed deadline, she fights the urge to reduce her project to marks on a checklist.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Unlike a simple checklist, it felt like the app was doing everything in its power to lull you into spending more time there.

From Slate ● Sep. 6, 2026

This might include creating an actual checklist so she doesn’t overlook certain steps.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026

He runs down his checklist of the tasks that must be done for tonight.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly

In Brooklyn, organizers distribute “Red Cards” with 90-day checklists of activities like attending a coffee or canvassing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

They distribute checklists and tax organizers in late December, urging clients to make incremental progress early in tax season to avoid last-minute stress.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 8, 2026

One of the checklists, about rolling back protections for Haitians in the U.S., emerged in litigation last year.

From Salon ● Mar. 5, 2026

A QRH contains checklists, including how to respond to a "non normal" event.

From BBC ● Nov. 29, 2024

I flip through my favorite blue notebook, looking at all the daily checklists from the past few weeks.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023