Origin and Etymology of cheap
Middle English chep, from Old English cēap trade; akin to Old High German kouf trade; both ultimately from Latin caupo tradesman
First Known Use: before 12th century
cheap
Simple Definition of cheap
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: not costing a lot of money
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: of low quality : not worth a lot of money
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: charging low prices
Full Definition of cheap
1 a : purchasable below the going price or the real value b : charging or obtainable at a low price <a good cheap hotel> <cheap tickets> c : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation) <cheap dollars>
2 : gained or done with little effort <a cheap victory> <talk is cheap>
3 a : of inferior quality or worth : tawdry, sleazy <cheap workmanship> b : contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities <feeling cheap> c : stingy <my cheap uncle>
4 of money : obtainable at a low rate of interest
cheap
adverbcheapishly
adverbcheapness
nounExamples of cheap in a sentence
I always buy the cheapest brand of cereal.
curtains made of cheap material
He wears a cheap watch that's always breaking.
This gas station is cheaper than the one by the highway.
Don't be cheap—buy good quality tires for your car.
1509
First Known Use of cheap
1509
Other Economics Terms
CHEAP Defined for Kids
Definition of cheap for Students
cheaper
cheapest
1 : not costing much <a cheap meal>
2 : charging low prices <a cheap hotel>
3 : worth little : of low quality <cheap perfume>
4 : gained without much effort <a cheap victory>
5 : having little self-respect <I feel cheap lying to her.>
6 : not willing to share or spend money : stingy <my cheap uncle>
cheaply
adverbLearn More about cheap
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cheap Spanish Central: Translation of cheap Nglish: Translation of cheap for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cheap for Arabic speakers
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