spot check

¹ American  

noun

1. a random sampling or quick sample investigation.

   A spot check showed that at least ten percent of the items were defective.

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spot-check ² American  

[spot-chek] / ˈspɒtˌtʃɛk /

verb (used with object)

1. to examine or investigate by means of a spot check.

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verb (used without object)

1. to conduct a spot check.

spot check British  

noun

1. a quick random examination

2. a check made without prior warning

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verb

1. (tr) to perform a spot check on

Other Word Forms

• spot-checker noun

Etymology

Origin of spot check¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of spot-check¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

"I haven't seen any balloons, it hasn't affected us personally," the woman driver told me after the spot check.

From BBC

When the special master overseeing a city court-ordered agreement to provide thousands of homeless shelter beds made a spot check at a South Los Angeles shelter she was disappointed in what she found.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC spent two hours with officers carrying out spot checks on gig economy workers including delivery drivers.

From BBC

Better data and intelligence sharing between government and the police meant more employers were being caught breaking the rules, the Home Office said, where previously random spot checks were used.

From BBC

Authorities have also launched roving patrols of trains, bus terminals and parks, where officials can conduct spot checks on members of the public and search their bags.

From BBC