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.

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.

The Citigroup checklist looks at factors including equity valuation, sentiment, credit spreads, yield curves, fund flows, corporate fundamentals and financing activity.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Treat the grocery store less like a checklist errand and more like a treasure hunt.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

For every scene that feels false or unnecessary, there is one that works well; for every plot point that feels ticked off a checklist, something surprising pops up.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

If the government wants to know whether a model can meaningfully assist cyberattacks, biological misuse or autonomous weapons development, it shouldn’t publish a checklist every lab can optimize against and every adversary can study.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

It’s like all moms have a checklist that they read through to make sure their kids are okay.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds

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