cheque

British  

/ tʃɛk /

noun

1. a bill of exchange drawn on a bank by the holder of a current account; payable into a bank account, if crossed, or on demand, if uncrossed

2. the total sum of money received for contract work or a crop

3. wages

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Etymology

Origin of cheque

C18: from _check , in the sense: a means of verification

Explanation

A cheque is a written order directing a bank to pay out money, and it's exactly the same thing as a check, but with more exciting letters. The American English word for the slip of paper that authorizes your bank to make a payment is check, which is the adjusted spelling of the British English cheque. That word comes from exchequer which is like a bank, and so a cheque is a note that has the seal of the bank: an official piece of paper. Cheque can be used as a verb meaning "withdraw."

Example Sentences

"We were told it's not real debt, or it's just the price of a coffee, or you won't even notice it leaving your pay cheque," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

But first he wants to try to clear his own student debt - by repaying £75 on top of the £250 that already comes out of his pay cheque every month.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

"Nobody's cut me a cheque to say anything," Ms Coons says.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Workers "sacrifice" a higher salary, but receive a tax-free sum into their pot, with each pay cheque.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

For the first time ever, I actually envied him the luxury of getting dressed up and leaving the house and rushing around all day, with purpose, all in the service of a pay cheque.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Related Words

• bill