A “negotiable instrument” means a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque payable either to order or to bearer.

Explanation (i) - A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque is payable to order which is expressed to be so payable or which is expressed to be payable to a particular person, and does not contain words prohibiting transfer or indicating an intention that it shall not be transferable.

Explanation (ii) - A Promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque is payable to bearer which is expressed to be so payable or on which the only or last indorsement is an indorsement in blank.

Explanation (iii) - Where a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque either originally or by indorsement, is expressed to be payable to the order of a specified person, and not to him or his order, it is nevertheless payable to him or his order at his option.

(Section 13(1) of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881)

See meaning of negotiable instrument from Judicial Dictionary.