cheque
Britishnoun
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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
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the total sum of money received for contract work or a crop
-
wages
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Nobel Prize consists of a diploma, a gold medal and a cheque for around $1.2 million, to be shared if there is more than one laureate in each discipline.
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
The cheque was received by Donaghy, but was never cashed.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
In a statement in 2022, Wales said she had sent a cheque in 2019 reimbursing the council for most of the spending to stop "electorally motivated questions".
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
“Do the commercials, bank the cheque, and think of the bigger picture,” his agent tells George when he complains.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Should the charge be less than this amount, you can return balance; if greater, we shall at once send cheque for difference on hearing from you.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
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