Checkpoint: meaning, definitions and examples

A checkpoint can also refer to a saved or significant point in a process, such as in video games or project management.

• Make sure to save at the checkpoint before you move to the next level.
• We reached a major checkpoint in the project and it's time to review our progress.

A stopover refers to a short stay somewhere between the start and end of a journey, often used in the context of air travel.

• We have a 3-hour stopover in Munich before our connecting flight to Tokyo.
• During our trip, we had a brief stopover in Paris to visit the Eiffel Tower.

A way station is a small station or stop along a route where travelers or cargo can briefly pause, often used historically for mail or railway journeys.

• The old way station served as a resting point for horse-drawn carriages.
• Trains would stop at the way station to pick up additional passengers.

A rest area is a place on the side of the road where travelers can stop to rest, often equipped with bathrooms, picnic tables, and sometimes vending machines.

• Let's stop at the next rest area to use the restroom and stretch our legs.
• The rest area has maps and brochures for tourists.

Used to describe a specific place where progress, security, or a task is evaluated, often in travel, games, and project management.

• We need to stop at the checkpoint to show our passports.
• He reached the checkpoint in the game, so his progress was saved.

Commonly used in video games to describe a point where the game's progress is recorded and can be resumed later.

• Make sure you reach the save point before turning off the game.
• He was relieved to find a save point just before the difficult boss battle.

Used in the context of computing to refer to a saved state of a system to which you can return if something goes wrong.

• Before installing new software, create a restore point in case something goes wrong.
• Luckily, we were able to recover the lost data by returning to the restore point.

Used to describe a significant event or stage in a process, especially in projects, careers, or personal achievements.

• Graduating from college is a major milestone in one's life.
• The project reached an important milestone when the first prototype was completed.

A checkpoint is a general term for a place where security checks happen. It can be used in various contexts such as at borders, at airports, or within a country where authorities need to control or monitor the movement of people and goods.

• We had to stop at the checkpoint before entering the secure area
• The soldier asked for my identification at the checkpoint

A border crossing is specifically a place where one crosses from one country to another. It involves scrutiny by border authorities and usually includes checkpoints for customs and immigration control.

• There was a long line at the border crossing
• We needed our passports for the border crossing

A customs checkpoint is a specific type of checkpoint where goods are inspected to ensure that they comply with import/export regulations, and to collect taxes or duties. These are typically found at borders and ports.

• The customs checkpoint was backed up with trucks waiting to be inspected
• We had to declare the items we bought abroad at the customs checkpoint

Immigration control refers to the procedures and place where individuals' travel documents are checked to verify their eligibility to enter or exit a country. It is usually a part of more extensive border control operations.

• We had to pass through immigration control before entering the country
• Immigration control officers checked our visas and asked about the purpose of our visit