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
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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 cheque was received by Donaghy, but was never cashed.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
Donaghy has previously denied being involved in discussions about the FOI and said an email she sent referring to the cheque showed that she intended to cash it.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
Wales, who sent a second cheque in 2021 upon learning the first had not been processed, said that "at all times" she acted in line with "guidance from council officials".
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
