paycheck

noun

pay·​check ˈpā-ˌchek How to pronounce paycheck (audio)
Synonyms of paychecknext
1
: a check in payment of wages or salary
2

Examples of paycheck in a Sentence

I went to the office to pick up my paycheck. Your weekly paycheck will be almost $600 after taxes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over half of the people in this country live paycheck to paycheck. CBS News, 17 May 2026 For workers already living paycheck to paycheck, there may not be enough flexibility left to absorb higher fuel bills without larger life changes. Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Those coaches gained experience, but the lack of pay not only cost them money but also likely lowered their pay for future coaching jobs, since coaching paychecks often reflect pay levels at previous jobs. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026 Continue reading … WALLET SQUEEZE — Senate votes to throw its own paychecks into escrow during shutdowns. FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for paycheck

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paycheck was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paycheck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paycheck. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

paycheck

noun
pay·​check ˈpā-ˌchek How to pronounce paycheck (audio)
: a check in payment of wages or salary

More from Merriam-Webster on paycheck

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster