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

---

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

"National security is not a blank cheque to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity," the judge wrote.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

"Obtaining a residence permit in the European Union is not a blank cheque," Magnus Brunner, the Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told the European Parliament as Spain's initiative was being discussed.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Hudson told the BBC she might "frame" the cheque for £96.50, using it as a reminder to keep fighting.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

The star was presented with the cheque on 16 October as his third album People Watching was named the best record of the last 12 months.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

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

Related Words

• bill