English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

cash

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈkæʃ/ UK /kˈæʃ/ cash UK spelling cashes, cashing

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.money in the form of coins and paper notes, rather than a credit card or cheque.

    n.currency in the form of notes and coins, as distinguished from cheques, credit, or electronic transfers.

    Simple

    The shop offers a small discount if you pay in cash instead of using a card.

    In context

    Small vendors in the market often prefer cash transactions to avoid the processing fees associated with digital payment platforms.

    currencyhard cashready money
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Finance

    n.money that is available to spend immediately, not tied up in property or investments.

    n.liquid assets or funds immediately available for use, as distinct from fixed assets or long-term investments.

    Simple

    The company has enough cash to pay its employees for the next six months.

    In context

    The corporation maintained a significant cash reserve to ensure it could respond quickly to unexpected market fluctuations or acquisition opportunities.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate American EnglishDialect

    n.the place in a shop where you pay for your items.

    n.the physical location or counter in a retail establishment where transactions are processed.

    Simple

    Please bring your items to the cash at the front of the store.

    In context

    A long queue formed at the main cash as the store struggled with a temporary failure of its automated checkout systems.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Finance

    v.to give a cheque to a bank and receive the value in paper money.

    v.to exchange a financial instrument, such as a cheque or money order, for its equivalent value in currency.

    Simple

    He went to the bank to cash his weekly paycheck before the weekend.

    In context

    The traveller had difficulty cashing the old personal cheque because the local branch required two forms of government-issued identification.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangInformal Sport

    v.to finish high enough in a competition to win a money prize.

    v.to achieve a ranking in a tournament or competition that entitles the participant to a monetary payout.

    Simple

    She was happy to cash in her first professional poker tournament.

    In context

    Despite a rocky start, the professional golfer managed to cash by finishing in the top forty after the final round.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency SlangInformal

    adj.a slang word for something that is very good or cool.

    adj.an informal evaluative term signifying high quality, excellence, or social coolness.

    Simple

    That new skateboard you bought is totally cash.

    In context

    The teenagers described the underground concert as cash, using the term to denote both its quality and its exclusive status.

Usage cash assistance

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated