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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The family fled Brazil late Tuesday, entered Argentina via a border checkpoint and quickly boarded a private charter plane, Argentinian immigration officials said. — Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026 The passenger voluntarily abandoned the claws at the checkpoint, the TSA said. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 The order covers Los Angeles and surrounding counties but exempts ports of entry and checkpoints. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 That helps drive activity at CLT, which Airports Council International ranks seventh worldwide for aircraft operations after logging 574,193 flights last year and seeing nearly 12 million originating travelers pass through TSA checkpoints. — Chase Jordan october 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for checkpoint

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of checkpoint was in 1889

Rhymes for checkpoint

See All Rhymes for checkpoint

Browse Nearby Words

check pinochle
checkpoint
check protector
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Checkpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkpoint. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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