Definition

Noun: A chess piece is any of the 32 distinct movable objects (16 white and 16 black) used to play the game of chess. Each piece has specific rules governing how it can move and capture opposing pieces on the chessboard.

Usage

The term "chess piece" refers to the physical or digital token representing a unit in the game. It is used to discuss the pieces collectively or to specify an individual unit whose type (e.g., pawn, rook) may be unknown or unimportant in the immediate context. * You must move a chess piece on your turn. * He picked up the captured chess piece. * The set includes all 32 chess pieces.

Examples

• In the opening, it is important to develop your chess pieces toward the center of the board.
• She carefully placed the chess piece back on its square.
• One chess piece was missing from the old box.

Advanced Usage

• "Like a chess piece": Used metaphorically to describe a person who is being moved or manipulated by others, implying they have little control over their own situation.
  • He felt like a mere chess piece in the corporate takeover.

Variants and Related Words

• Chessman (noun): A direct synonym for "chess piece."
• Piece (noun): In the context of chess, "piece" is often used as a shortened, informal form of "chess piece," though purists note it sometimes excludes pawns. (e.g., "He lost a key piece early in the game.").

Synonyms

• Chessman
• Game piece (in the specific context of chess)

Related Idioms

• "To be a pawn": While "pawn" is a specific type of chess piece, this idiom derives from the game. It means to be a person used by others for their own purposes, similar to the advanced metaphorical use of "chess piece" but with a stronger implication of expendability.
  • He realized he was just a pawn in their political game.

Noun

1. any of 16 white and 16 black pieces used in playing the game of chess