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• spot check
  spot check

  noun

  a random sampling or quick sample investigation.
• spot-check
  spot-check

  verb (used with object)

  to examine or investigate by means of a spot check.

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-check²

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Or if you’d prefer to check out another revolving sushi spot, check out Kura, which has a Sawtelle location.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

Later in 2021, an unconnected spot check revealed an item was missing and the museum began to uncover how many items had been taken or damaged.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2023

But a spot check of candy displays in multiple states __ including California, Virginia and Washington __ found no such signs.

From Washington Times • Oct. 16, 2023

But without some reliance on automated methods, “You either have to spot check randomly, or you use your own human prejudice to choose what to check. And that’s not generally very fair.”

From Science Magazine • May 9, 2023

Rick hadn't known about the spot check, but it made sense.

From The Scarlet Lake Mystery by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)