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.
"Last week, TSA agents missed their first full paychecks. Some employees are still at work, with the promise of back pay when the shutdown ends. But others can't or won't forego paychecks."
— Barry Petchesky, ICE Agents Deployed To Nation’s Swamped Airports To Stand Around And Do Nothing (2026)
"He was delighted after getting his first paycheck, but subsequently blew it all on the horses."
"She budgets carefully so her paycheck lasts the whole month."
How to use paycheck
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- paychecks
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.
Synonyms
View more →
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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