Main Entry:

cli·ché

Variant(s):

also cli·che \klē-ˈshā, ˈklē-ˌ, kli-ˈ\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

French, literally, printer's stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin

Date:

1892

1: a trite phrase or expression ; also : the idea expressed by it2: a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation3: something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace

— cliché adjective