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

In court documents, Ottawa does not weigh in on the merits of Bill 21, but argues the clause cannot be used as a blank cheque.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 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

Last year, Coldplay donated 10% of the proceeds of their UK tour to the fund; while Sam Fender handed over his £25,000 Mercury Prize cheque to small venues.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

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

From BBC • Dec. 29, 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