check out — to examine or investigate something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to examine or investigate something
Pronunciation (IPA): /tʃek aʊt/
Example Sentences
- My mom told me to check out the new neighbor, but I think she meant the handsome guy, not his suspicious gardening habits.
- I tried to check out quietly from the hotel, but my suitcase wheel chose that moment to sound like a dying elephant.
- She decided to check out the new fitness app before realizing her phone was more fit than she was.
check out
VERB[/tʃek aʊt/]
to examine or investigate something

She stops by the bookstore to check out the new mystery novel everyone's talking about.

Deck out in style to check out the wreck out!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'check' originates from Old French 'eschec' (chess term meaning 'to put the king in danger'), derived from Persian 'shah' (king). By the 14th century, it evolved from its chess context to mean 'to verify' or 'to examine'. The phrasal verb 'check out' combines this sense of verification with 'out', developing the modern meaning of 'to leave after paying' or 'to examine departing'.
Breakdown
check (from Old French eschec, meaning to verify or examine) + out (away, departing), forming a phrasal verb indicating the action of verifying and departing, particularly in the context of leaving a hotel or store after payment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom told me to check out the new neighbor, but I think she meant the handsome guy, not his suspicious gardening habits.”
“I tried to check out quietly from the hotel, but my suitcase wheel chose that moment to sound like a dying elephant.”
“She decided to check out the new fitness app before realizing her phone was more fit than she was.”
“Students need to check out equipment from the laboratory before conducting experiments.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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