How to Pronounce Checkmate

To pronounce "checkmate", say CHECKM-at-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈt͡ʃɛkmeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

checkmate

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈt͡ʃɛkmeɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “checkmate”

"checkmate" has 3 syllables: checkm-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does checkmate mean?

noun

The conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.
(by extension) Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat.

verb

To put the king of an opponent into checkmate.
“That jerk checkmated me in four moves!”
(by extension) To place in a losing situation that has no escape.

interjection

Word called out by the victor when making a move that wins the game.
(by extension) Said when one has checkmated someone (placed them in a losing situation with no escape.)

Synonyms

mate

Words that rhyme with checkmate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidate articulate desolate facilitate profligate explicate deliberate delineate ruminate innate cultivate state

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "checkmate"?▾

"Checkmate" has 3 syllables: checkm · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "checkmate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "checkmate" is /ˈt͡ʃɛkmeɪt/.

What does "checkmate" mean?▾

Checkmate: The conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.

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