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noun Uncommon

exchequer

ehks-CHEH-k

Exchequer (noun) means a government department responsible for managing public revenue and finances. Example: “The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer sets the annual budget.”

noun
1
A government department responsible for managing public revenue and finances.
"The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer sets the annual budget."
2
An available supply of money, especially for a particular purpose.
"The club's exchequer couldn't stretch to another signing this season."

How to use exchequer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe government's treasury, or more casually, one's available funds.

UK vs US

Mainly a British and Commonwealth term; the US equivalent department is the Treasury.

Common pairings
Chancellor of the Exchequer the public exchequer

Word forms

exchequered past tense, exchequers plural, exchequers singular

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The UK Chancellor of the _____ sets the annual budget.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman escheker, "chessboard," from Medieval Latin scaccarium — so named because medieval treasurers counted money on a chequered cloth resembling a chessboard.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for exchequer

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Frequently asked questions

What does “exchequer” mean?

The word “exchequer” means a government department responsible for managing public revenue and finances. In plain terms, the government's treasury, or more casually, one's available funds.

How do you pronounce “exchequer”?

“Exchequer” is pronounced ehks-CHEH-k (/ɛksˈt͡ʃɛ.kɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “exchequer” in a sentence?

Here is “exchequer” used in a sentence: “The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer sets the annual budget.”

What part of speech is “exchequer”?

“Exchequer” is a noun.

Where does the word “exchequer” come from?

The word “exchequer” comes from Medieval Latin. From Anglo-Norman escheker, "chessboard," from Medieval Latin scaccarium — so named because medieval treasurers counted money on a chequered cloth resembling a chessboard.

Is “exchequer” a common word?

“Exchequer” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “exchequer” have?

“Exchequer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a government department responsible for managing public revenue and finances.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial