# chit

/ˈtʃɪt/ (US) · /tʃˈɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chit
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a small piece of paper that shows you owe money for something, like a drink or a meal. It is often used in clubs or offices to keep track of small debts.

For teachers: a short signed note or voucher representing a small debt, typically for food or drink. Often used in institutional settings like social clubs or military messes to facilitate internal accounting.

## Examples

- He signed a chit for his coffee at the private club.
- Instead of paying cash at the bar, members simply sign a chit which is added to their monthly bill.
- The system of signing chits for daily expenses allowed the officers to settle their accounts in a single transaction at the end of each month.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in British English and former Commonwealth territories; often refers specifically to a voucher for a small sum.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.