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noun Uncommon

paycheck

PAY-chehk

Paycheck (noun) means the payment an employee receives from an employer for work done, typically issued regularly. Example: “She budgets carefully so her paycheck lasts the whole month.”

noun
1
The payment an employee receives from an employer for work done, typically issued regularly.
"She budgets carefully so her paycheck lasts the whole month."

How to use paycheck

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe money (or cheque) you get paid for your job, usually weekly or monthly.

UK vs US

Mainly an American term; British English more often says "wages" or "salary," though "paycheck" is widely understood.

Common pairings
live paycheck to paycheck a weekly paycheck

Word forms

paychecks plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She budgets carefully so her _____ lasts the whole month.

Etymology

From "pay" plus "check," reflecting the days when wages were commonly paid by paper cheque.

payroll check

Frequently asked questions

What does “paycheck” mean?

The word “paycheck” means the payment an employee receives from an employer for work done, typically issued regularly. In plain terms, the money (or cheque) you get paid for your job, usually weekly or monthly.

How do you pronounce “paycheck”?

“Paycheck” is pronounced PAY-chehk (/ˈpeɪ.t͡ʃɛk/ in IPA).

How do you use “paycheck” in a sentence?

Here is “paycheck” used in a sentence: “She budgets carefully so her paycheck lasts the whole month.”

What part of speech is “paycheck”?

“Paycheck” is a noun.

Is “paycheck” a common word?

“Paycheck” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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