Meaning & use
the check-in
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
the act of registering at a hotel, airport, or event when you arrive.
Grammar: Often used with 'the' or without an article; no plural for the process.
Patterns
- check-in time
- the check-in process
- do the check-in
The check-in at the hotel was quick and easy.
Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight.
We were tired after a long check-in at the airport.
nouncountable
the place where you register at a hotel, airport, or event.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or 'the' and has a plural 'check-ins'.
Patterns
- at the check-in
- go to the check-in
- the check-in desk
Please go to the check-in to get your room key.
The check-in was crowded with passengers.
I'll meet you at the check-in in ten minutes.
Word forms
| plural | check-ins |
|---|
Common combinations
- check-in time
- Check-in time is at 3 p.m.
- check-in desk
- The check-in desk is on the left.
- online check-in
- Online check-in saves time at the airport.
- early check-in
- We requested early check-in but it wasn't available.
- check-in counter
- The check-in counter closes 45 minutes before departure.
Synonyms and how they differ
- registration
- More formal and general; 'check-in' is more common for hotels and airports.
Opposites
Word family
- check in phrasal verb
- to register at a hotel or airport
Commonly confused: the check-in or check out?
the check-in vs check out
Check out is when you leave a hotel or pay for goods; check-in is when you arrive and register.
Practice
What does 'the check-in' mean at a hotel?
Choose one answer.
Check-in is about arriving and registering. Option 0 is checkout, option 2 is checkout time, and option 3 is the room.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the check-in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.