What does checkup mean?
Checkup is a countable noun denoting a thorough examination, used above all for routine medical assessments in which a doctor or dentist evaluates a patient's general health. It also applies to inspections of machines, vehicles, and other systems to confirm that everything is functioning correctly. The word carries a neutral, practical tone; it is standard in both formal healthcare settings and casual conversation, appearing in familiar phrases such as 'annual checkup', 'routine checkup', and 'go for a checkup'. Formed from the verb 'check' plus the adverbial particle 'up', it is a relatively recent compound, becoming established in the twentieth century alongside similar formations like 'follow-up' and 'backup'. Regional spelling varies: American English prefers the closed form 'checkup', while British English frequently retains the hyphen as 'check-up'. Regular checkups are widely encouraged in preventive medicine, giving the word a positive association with proactive care rather than illness.
nounA thorough examination, especially a medical examination to assess a person's general state of health. More broadly, an inspection or review of something to confirm that it is in good condition or working order.
- A medical examination to assess a person's overall health.
- An inspection or review of equipment, systems, or arrangements to confirm they are in proper working order.
"She goes for a dental checkup every six months."
"The doctor recommended a full physical checkup before starting the new medication."
"The mechanic gave the engine a thorough checkup before the long road trip."
Standard pluralisation applies; British style may prefer 'check-ups'.
"Regular dental checkups can catch problems early."
The phrase 'a clean bill of health' often comes from exactly one thing: your annual checkup — a ritual so routine we owe it to a two-syllable compound barely a century old.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of checkup
Checkup is a compound of the verb 'check', meaning to examine or verify, combined with the adverbial particle 'up'. The verb 'check' itself entered English from Old French 'eschecker', ultimately tracing back through chess terminology to Persian 'shāh' (king) via 'shāh māt', which gave English 'checkmate'. The compound 'checkup' emerged in English usage during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, part of a broader pattern of verb-plus-particle nouns such as 'follow-up' and 'makeup'. It is related to words such as checkpoint, checklist, and countercheck, all built on the same root notion of verification or restraint.
How checkup is actually used
Checkup is a common, neutral noun used in both everyday and professional contexts. It is typically countable and most often appears in medical contexts ('annual checkup', 'dental checkup'), though it extends naturally to mechanical and technical inspections. In British English the hyphenated form 'check-up' remains widespread, while American English strongly favours the unhyphenated 'checkup'. The plural is straightforward: checkups (or check-ups).
Easily confused with checkup
Check-up is the same word written with a hyphen (common in British English), whereas checkup is the closed form more typical of American English; both refer to the same thing.