cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor

b

: containing cheese

2

: shabby sense 3c, cheap

a cheesy movie

cheesy motels

cheesiness noun

Synonyms

• inappropriate
• tacky
• unsuitable
• trashy
• incorrect
• wrong
• tasteless
• unfashionable
• cheap
• inelegant

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

cheesy plastic knickknacks lined the fireplace mantel

a cheesy watch that he bought from a sidewalk vendor preying on tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

Though the movie is accessible to new fans, there are plenty of winks and nods for diehards who can understand what might seem, to the uninitiated, like cheesy moments—a cringeworthy English rap verse, a scene parodying the product placement in K-dramas—as self-aware jokes. —Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025

Not to get too cheesy, but no one loves macaroni and cheese quite like Drew Barrymore. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025

This sandwich is a cheesy, meaty masterpiece featuring ribeye steak, provolone cheese, peppers and crispy onion straws. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025

Aside from fake dating, the novel is full of beloved, albeit cheesy, rom-com tropes. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheesy

• breezy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

Kids Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese

b

: containing cheese

2

: cheap sense 3a

a cheesy movie

cheesiness noun

Medical Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

: resembling cheese in consistency

cheesy lesions

a cheesy discharge