traveler's check
7
3.6
- noun
- /ˈtrævələrz tʃɛk/
- Archaic
:
cheque de viajero
- Customs was no problem since Michael wasn't carrying anything of value except cash and traveler's checks.
- cash your traveler's checks
- dollar traveler's checks
- passports and traveler's checks
Examples
-
And I have traveler's checks, just in case.
Fiction book (1990) -
I had a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from UCLA and ten thousand dollars in traveler's checks.
Fiction book (2000) -
Oh, I know, I have to cash a traveler's check.
-
Can I use the traveler check for my payment?
Academic text (2018) -
You know, you should carry those traveler's checks.
-
I have to cash some traveler's checks.
-
I'll pay cash or traveler's checks.
-
Take along a good supply of traveler's checks that can be converted into cash.
Academic text (1991) -
I take traveler's checks.
-
Before traveling abroad, make sure to exchange your cash for a traveler's check.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'traveler' modifies 'check' to indicate a type of check used by people who travel, so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a payment instrument intended for travelers and usable abroad. This is a common, cross-linguistic naming pattern (e.g., Spanish 'cheque de viajero'), making the phrase immediately understandable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Traveler's check began as a special check for people going on trips. You bought and signed it at home and then signed again in front of a bank or shop so they could check who you were. This double signing made it 'safe' if you lost your wallet, and that's why it means 'a prepaid payment you can use in other countries'.