English Reference

Word

cashier

US/kæˈʃɪɹ/

UK/kæʃˈiə/

Definitions

01shop worker

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a person in a shop or restaurant who takes your money and gives you change.

n. an employee who handles payments and receipts in a retail establishment or restaurant.

“The cashier scanned my groceries and told me the total price.”

“The supermarket is hiring a part-time cashier to manage the express lanes during the busy weekend shifts.”

Synonyms

02bank official

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person in a bank who is in charge of the money.

n. an officer of a bank or business who is responsible for the custody of funds and the oversight of financial transactions.

“The bank cashier helped her deposit the cheque into her savings account.”

“The chief cashier is responsible for reconciling the daily accounts and ensuring all physical currency is secured in the vault.”

Synonyms

03to dismiss

C1 · Advanced Formal · Archaic

v. to officially remove someone from their job, especially in the military.

v. to dismiss someone from a position of authority or service, particularly with dishonour or as a formal disciplinary measure.

“The officer was cashiered after he was caught lying to his superiors.”

“The court-martial decided to cashier the captain, stripping him of his rank and benefits following the investigation into the missing supplies.”

Usage

This verb is almost always used in the passive voice in modern contexts.

Teaching tip

In modern English, this verb sense is rare outside of historical novels or military contexts; 'dismiss' or 'fire' are the standard choices.

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“A cashier at a building society who embezzled funds from at-risk clients to finance lavish vacations has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.”
BBC 8 May 2026
“A cashier at a building society who embezzled funds from at-risk clients was discovered after her coworkers noticed her sharing posts about lavish vacations social media including a in Africa along with trips to Paris, Tuscany, and Dubai, among others.”
BBC 20 Apr 2026
“An 82-year-old US veteran and Walmart cashier is finally able to retire after an unlikely act of goodwill.”
BBC 9 Jan 2023
“Huang Xingguo accepted a position as a cashier at a newly opened Walmart in his hometown in southern China, seeking a reliable income and opportunities for advancement after a series of sales roles and a stint as a day trader.”
Reuters 7 Apr 2014

Etymology

From Dutch casseren, kasseren, from Old French casser (“to break (up)”). During a ceremonial cashiering of a ranking military officer, the breakup was often symbolized dramatically by literally breaking the officer’s sword.

Borrowed from Dutch cassier or French caissier, from French caisse.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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