Spelling
Checklist or Check List? The Correct Spelling Explained
If you’ve ever wondered whether to write checklist, check list, or even check-list, you’re not alone. This is a common spelling question that pops up in workplaces, schools, and even casual writing. In this post, we’ll explain the correct spelling, why it matters, and how to remember it.
The Correct Spelling: Checklist
The right way to spell it is checklist (one word).
- 📚 Dictionaries agree: Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge all list “checklist” as a single word.
- 📝 Professional writing standard: Business documents, academic papers, and productivity apps consistently use “checklist.”
- ✅ Consistency counts: Using the one-word spelling makes your writing clear and polished.
Why Not “Check List” or “Check-list”?
- Check list (two words): Once common decades ago, but now outdated.
- Check-list (hyphenated): Hyphens were used when the word was new, but like many compounds (email, notebook), it has since merged into one word.
Today, both forms are considered nonstandard. If you want your writing to look modern and professional, stick with checklist.