cheesy

1 of 2

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

cheesiness

2 of 2

noun

chees·​i·​ness

ˈchē-zē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being cheesy

Synonyms of cheesy

Adjective

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

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

In This Article From fun, quirky dips to sweet, tangy cake frostings and cheesecakes to cheesy sausage balls, cream cheese runs the gamut from sweet to savory Southern recipes. — Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Yes, please feel free to invent less cheesy level names than mine. — Michal Rahamim, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The birria Mexican pizza is a cheesy quesadilla loaded with diced onions, cilantro, lime, and tender birria beef that is sliced just like a pizza. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

The shop front was soon tricked out to double as Axl’s chair set and the room out back was filled with cheesy furniture to look like a motel room. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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