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 of cheesy

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

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

Watching a cheesy sitcom opening turn into a bloody field day for a time-traveling serial killer or unedited footage of a bear turn into a pharmaceutical nightmare is the ultimate expression of that unapologetic commitment to keeping us on our toes. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026

If Buffalo sauce doesn’t do it for you, the very cheesy Chicken Uncured Bacon Ranch Dip is a close second. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

The moment is impossibly cheesy, but at his summer rallies, where crowds often numbered more than two hundred and fifty, pretty much everyone sang. — Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Invented at downtown Louisville’s Brown Hotel in 1926, the cheesy, open-faced sandwich remains beloved throughout the city—and across the state. — Michelle Polizzi, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

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