checkpoint

noun

check·​point ˈchek-ˌpȯint How to pronounce checkpoint (audio)
: a point at which a check is performed
vehicles were inspected at various checkpoints

Examples of checkpoint in a Sentence

Our car was stopped at a police checkpoint before we were permitted to cross the border.
Recent Examples on the Web Seavey was the first musher to reach the Cripple checkpoint, which is the halfway point of the race, officials said Wednesday night. CBS News, 7 Mar. 2024 This includes only packing liquids under 3.4 oz in a single quart-sized bag, and not bringing firearms through checkpoints. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2024 The city is also doubling towing fines, placing security checkpoints at public beaches and adding license-plate scanning operations that are expected to cause weekend gridlock. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 An increase in clashes with Israeli settlers, as well as delays at checkpoints and road closures imposed by the Israeli military, are all adding to stress and aggravation felt by Palestinians here. D. Parvaz, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are two checkpoint inhibitors currently being studied for their potential in treating eye melanoma. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Two large steel-and-glass buildings in the shapes of an L and an X are hidden up a drive behind an embankment, a stand of trees, and security checkpoints. TIME, 29 Feb. 2024 Long gun barrels followed them at military checkpoints, prickling them with fear. Rozina Ali, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 How many guns were stopped at security checkpoints at the Milwaukee airport by TSA in 2022? Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'checkpoint.' 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

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of checkpoint was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near checkpoint

Cite this Entry

“Checkpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkpoint. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

checkpoint

noun
check·​point ˈchek-ˌpȯint How to pronounce checkpoint (audio)
: a point at which a check is carried out
vehicles were inspected at different checkpoints

Legal Definition

checkpoint

noun
check·​point
: a point at which an inspection or investigation is performed
a checkpoint to uncover drunk drivers

More from Merriam-Webster on checkpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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