checkmate
verb
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Figurative Checkmate and Other Chess Terms
Checkmate is one of the most recognizable words from the world of chess. It is often found both in its original sense (referring to the placing of an opponent’s king in an inescapable position) and in a figurative one (“to thwart”). But it is just one of a number of words in English that that either originated in, or gained popularity from, the game of chess before developing an extended metaphorical sense.
End game may refer to the final stages of a game of chess or to the final stage of other actions or processes. Gambit initially had the sole meaning “a chess opening in which a player voluntarily risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position” but now may also signify “a calculated move, maneuver, or device.” And pawn has developed the sense “one that can be used often to his own disadvantage to further the purposes of another” from its original designation as the least powerful piece on the chess board.
Examples of checkmate in a Sentence
Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
And then, in the third round of chess, checkmate: Canty had beaten the odds to become the new super heavyweight chess boxing champion of the world.
—Heather Abbott, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Democrats’ goal: Nab five potential new Democratic seats in the U.S. House to checkmate Texas Republicans’ strategy to redistrict a path to five additional GOP seats ahead of next year’s midterm contests.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 20 Aug. 2025
Losing a game of chess is never fun; however, setting aflame a custom wax king piece when checkmated is losing with style.
—Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for checkmate
Cite this Entry
“Checkmate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/checkmate. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
checkmate
1 of 2 verb
checkmate
2 of 2 noun
