checkered

adjective

check·​ered ˈche-kərd How to pronounce checkered (audio)
Synonyms of checkerednext
1
: marked by alternating squares of different colors, shades, or materials
a checkered fabric
checkered tablecloths
see also checkered flag
2
: marked by alternation or contrast of fortune
… the best album of his checkered career—Mark Coleman
especially : marked by many problems or failures
… had a checkered past that included convictions for battery and tax evasion. —Charlotte Triggs et al.

Examples of checkered in a Sentence

He has had a checkered career with many ups and downs.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chekyred, from cheker checker entry 1 + -ed -ed entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of checkered was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing checkered

Rhymes for checkered

See All Rhymes for checkered

Browse Nearby Words

checker-brick
checkered
checkered adder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Checkered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkered. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

checkered

adjective
: marked by changes of fortune
a checkered career
especially : marked by many problems
a checkered past

More from Merriam-Webster on checkered

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for checkered

Nglish: Translation of checkered for Spanish Speakers

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