A written list of items you need to check off or tasks you need to complete to ensure nothing is forgotten.
From 'check' (Middle English, from Old French 'chekker', meaning to verify) combined with 'list' (Old English 'liste', meaning a stripe or band). The compound 'checklist' emerged in the early 20th century as a practical tool for systematic verification.
The checklist became revolutionary when used in aviation during WWII—pilots discovered that using detailed checklists before takeoff dramatically reduced crashes, and this simple tool has since saved countless lives in hospitals, construction, and beyond.
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