checkered

adjective

check·​ered ˈche-kərd 

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Demos wore a checkered suit, while Shahi donned a slinky metallic dress with a thigh-high slit and off-the-shoulder detailing. —Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024

The digital collection features a checkered suit, pixel leopard hoodie and video game pants — free of charge for fitting, sharing and saving to digital wardrobes within the ZERO10 app. —Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022

Each of them wore a checkered dog sweater with a hoodie in their size. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 25 Dec. 2022

Another picture shows a toddler in a cerulean bonnet, popcorn top, and black and white checkered tights holding a fuchsia version. —Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2022

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

Phrases Containing checkered

• checkered flag
• checkered history
• checkered past
• took the checkered flag

Kids Definition

checkered

adjective

: marked by changes of fortune

a checkered career

especially : marked by many problems

a checkered past