cheery

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchir-ē 

cheerier; cheeriest

1

: marked by cheerfulness or good spirits

2

: causing or suggesting cheerfulness

cheery music

cheerily

ˈchir-ə-lē 

adverb

cheeriness

ˈchir-ē-nəs 

noun

cheeriness

2 of 2

noun

cheer·​i·​ness ˈchir-ē-nəs 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being cheery

Synonyms of cheery

Adjective

• cheerful
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of cheery in a Sentence

Adjective

a cheery grin on the host of the holiday party

a cheery, unexpected compliment can really make another person's day

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

All rooms share a similar contemporary style and design with a brown color palette studded with pops of cheery yellow. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026

These carrots make a bright and cheery addition to the spread. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2026

And who better to ring in this cheery time of year than with Mariah Carey—the undisputed queen of Christmas? — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

For instance, there’s his portrait of four cheery little brown and white woolly dancing dogs (relatives of today’s bichons and poodles, perhaps) named Lusette, Madore, Rosette, and Moucheby. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cheery

• beery
• bleary
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery
• peery
• query

Kids Definition

cheery

adjective

ˈchi(ə)r-ē 

cheerier; cheeriest

: merry and bright in manner or effect : cheerful

cheerily

ˈchir-ə-lē 

adverb

cheeriness

ˈchir-ē-nəs 

noun