a small, usually red or black disk of plastic or wood, used in playing checkers.

checkers,

Also called, British , draughts. ( used with a singular verb ) a game played by two persons, each with 12 playing pieces, on a checkerboard.

(in a regenerative furnace) loosely stacked brickwork through which furnace gases and incoming air are passed in turn, so that the heat of the exhaust is absorbed and later transferred to the incoming air.

a checkered pattern.

one of the squares of a checkered pattern.

to mark like a checkerboard.

to diversify in color; variegate.

to diversify in character; subject to alternations

Sorrow and joy have checkered his life.