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 it
2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3 : something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace

— cliché adjective