Chess

/tʃɛs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A strategic board game played on an 8x8 grid between two players, each controlling 16 pieces, including a king, queen, rooks, knights, bishops, and pawns, with the objective of checkmating the opponent's king.

We spent the afternoon playing chess in the park.

The art or skill of playing this game.

He has a keen understanding of chess strategies.

A chess game itself or a session of playing chess.

Their chess lasted for several hours, ending in a draw.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'esches', from Latin 'scaccus' which means 'check'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

checkmate

A position in chess where the opponent's king is in a position to be captured and cannot escape.

to play chess

To engage in the game of chess, often implying strategic thinking.

chess master

An expert player of chess, often recognized for their high skill level.

Related Words

pawn

The most numerous piece in chess, typically representing infantry.

rook

A chess piece that moves in straight lines along rows or columns.

bishop

A chess piece that moves diagonally across the board.

Slang Meanings

Checkmate someone

I completely checkmated him in our last game.

Chess nerd

He's such a chess nerd, he plays every weekend.