check-in

1 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of checking in

check in

2 of 2

verb

checked in; checking in; checks in

intransitive verb

1
: to register at a hotel
When you arrive at the hotel, please check in at the front desk.
Once we've checked in and dropped off our luggage, we'll meet you in the lobby.
A regular at MGM Resorts properties, she uses her phone to pull up the M Life smartphone app, where she can check in remotely.Bryan Horwath
2
: to report one's presence or arrival
check in at a convention
Airlines may also require passengers to submit documentation for their service animals at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel. But those passengers will now be allowed to check in online instead of in person.Chicago Tribune
3
US : to find out or report the status of someone or something especially as part of a regular pattern of communication or monitoring
She checks in with her boss/team every Friday.
I'm just checking in to find out how your doctor's appointment went.
Asking for feedback can definitely be scary, but it's good to check in and get some constructive criticism on how you're doing.Nancy Valev
often followed by on or with
I'm just checking in with you to find out how your doctor's appointment went.
All parents should have a system where they check in with their kids frequently.James Lehman
He will be required to check in with a probation officer every week at the outset, and undergo drug and alcohol testing and complete psychological counseling.Cory Schaffer
During the early afternoon, Mrs. Ruane … checked in on the patient who had returned from her procedure.Pohla Smith
"… Millions of Americans use social media every day to check in on friends and family, learn about current events, and share their experiences online. … "Shayne Adamski
"… But, Shirley, thank you so much. I'll check in with you again as the story unfolds, OK?"Drew Pinsky
We access our work email on our phones, catch up on messages during our commutes and even when we're out at lunch, check in on work before bed—some of us feel like we have to just to be good employees.Alan Henry
… suggests … setting up Remote Desktop so that you can check in on the systems from afar …Andrew Cunningham

transitive verb

: to satisfy all requirements in returning
check in the equipment after using

Examples of check-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The check-in Medium luggage is 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches and weighs 10.4 pounds, and has a capacity of nearly 69 liters — the equivalent of up to 12 outfits (or about one to two weeks’ worth of clothes). Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Periodic check-ins were conducted to make sure at least one partner was present. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The check-in area will also have a lounge with 80 seats where arriving guest can relax and order small bites from a small plate menu and cocktails, said Johnson. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 In February 2023, Chrissie and Daniel took their son, who goes by the nickname Z, for his annual check-in with his doctor for gender-affirming care. Hannah Murphy Winter, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2024 In addition, regular one-on-one check-ins help leaders understand individual concerns and provide personalized support. Robert Giovannini, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Anthony lived straight, did all his check-ins and didn’t tangle with the law again. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 The report also includes an improvement plan, with space for check-ins and points of contact for each aspect of the plan. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024 From-the-sea options include Alaskan cod — in the fish and chips and also the Dutchman’s Platter — plus oysters on the half shell and ahi poke nachos. Visit during peak times, and while waiting for a table, take time to read the restaurant’s origin story displayed near the check-in booth. Jerry Rice, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'check-in.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1927, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1918, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of check-in was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near check-in

Cite this Entry

“Check-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/check-in. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

check-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈchek-ˈin
: an act or instance of checking in

check in

2 of 2 verb
1
: to register at a hotel or motel
2
: to report one's presence or arrival
3
: to bring back : return
checked in the equipment

More from Merriam-Webster on check-in

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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