chess

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈches How to pronounce chess (audio)
: a game for 2 players each of whom moves 16 pieces according to fixed rules across a checkerboard and tries to checkmate the opponent's king

Illustration of chess

Illustration of chess
  • chessboard with chess pieces arranged as at the beginning of a game

chess

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
: a weedy annual European bromegrass (Bromus secalinus) widely naturalized in North America as a weed especially in grain
2
: any of several weedy bromegrasses related to chess

Examples of chess in a Sentence

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.
Noun
But Hal plays 5-D chess with Hector, threatening him — at the risk of John’s parents being blown up! — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 Along with the speeches and various vendors, chess boards will be available. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026 This also allows Nvidia to have another competitive piece on the chess board. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Fischer celebrated victory in his hotel room with champagne and more chess. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chess

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chesse, ches, esches, borrowed from Anglo-French escheks, eschez "game of chess" — more at check entry 2

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1736, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chess was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing chess

Rhymes for chess

See All Rhymes for chess

Browse Nearby Words

chesnut
chess
chessboard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chess. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chess

noun
ˈches
: a game for two players each of whom plays with 16 pieces on a checkerboard
Etymology

Noun

Middle English ches "game of chess," from early French eschés (same meaning), literally, "checks," from eschec "check" — related to check, checker

More from Merriam-Webster on chess

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chess

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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