cheque: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal/Neutral (in financial contexts), Informal (in figurative idioms)
Quick answer
What does “cheque” mean?
A printed form directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer's account to the named payee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A printed form directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer's account to the named payee.
In British English, the standard spelling for the financial instrument; can figuratively represent a promise of payment, a metaphorical credit (e.g., 'blank cheque'), or an informal record (e.g., 'rain cheque').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'cheque' (UK) vs. 'check' (US). The US spelling 'check' is homographic with the verb meaning to verify. In UK English, they are distinct ('cheque' vs. 'check').
Connotations
In UK English, 'cheque' carries a slightly more formal, traditional connotation related specifically to banking. In US English, the spelling 'check' for the financial instrument shares its form with a more common, multi-purpose word.
Frequency
The word is less frequent in daily speech in both varieties due to declining use of paper payments, but the UK spelling 'cheque' remains the absolute standard in all financial writing.
Grammar
How to Use “cheque” in a Sentence
VERB + cheque (write, sign, cash)cheque + FOR + amount (a cheque for £100)cheque + TO + payee (a cheque to Mr Smith)PAY + BY + chequeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheque” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bank will cheque the signature against its records. (Rare/archaic)
- To cheque a sum (obsolete meaning: to mark as verified).
American English
- (Not applicable for this spelling; US uses 'check' for the verb).
adjective
British English
- Cheque fraud is a persistent problem.
- The cheque-clearing process takes three working days.
American English
- (Not applicable for this spelling; US uses 'check' as in 'check fraud').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard for certain B2B payments, settling invoices, and payroll in some companies. 'Please remit payment by cheque within 30 days.'
Academic
Used in economics, finance, and legal studies when discussing payment systems, financial history, or contract law.
Everyday
Less common but still used for gifts, paying tradespeople, or where electronic payments are not preferred. 'My grandmother still sends birthday money by cheque.'
Technical
In banking, refers to specific instruments like 'certified cheques', 'cashier's cheques', and processes like 'cheque truncation'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheque”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheque”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheque”
- *I paid with a check. (UK spelling error)
- *I need to cheque my homework. (Confusion with verb 'check')
- Incorrect prepositions: *a cheque of £50 (correct: FOR £50).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the standard spelling in American English is 'check' for the financial instrument. The spelling 'cheque' is recognised but considered a Britishism.
Rarely in modern English. Historically, it existed as a variant of 'check' (to verify), but this is now obsolete. The financial term is almost exclusively a noun.
It is a proverbial excuse for a delayed payment, often implying the speaker may not be entirely truthful about having sent it.
Usage has declined sharply in favour of electronic payments in most developed countries. They are still used in specific business contexts, by older demographics, or for certain transactions like house deposits, but are no longer 'common' for everyday purchases.
A printed form directing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer's account to the named payee.
Cheque is usually formal/neutral (in financial contexts), informal (in figurative idioms) in register.
Cheque: in British English it is pronounced /tʃek/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blank cheque (carte blanche)”
- “the cheque is in the post (excuse for delay)”
- “rain cheque (postponement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'QUE' in 'cheque' standing for 'QUid' (slang for British pound) to remember the UK spelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE HANDED OVER (the cheque is a portable, transferable representation of value).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary difference between 'cheque' and 'check' in modern English?