cheeky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal

: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing way

a cheeky grin

… old-timers who still look like they could deck you if you get too cheeky.

—Shaun Assael

cheekily

ˈchē-kə-lē 

adverb

cheekiness

ˈchē-kē-nəs 

noun

cheekiness

2 of 2

noun

cheek·​i·​ness ˈchē-kē-nəs 

plural -es

: insolence or impudence of speech or behavior

Synonyms of cheeky

Adjective

• wise
• bold
• sassy
• saucy
• impudent
• fresh
• brazen
• cocky
• insolent
• blunt
• brassy
• defiant
• cute
• audacious
• brash
• impertinent
• nervy
• assertive
• cocksure

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

Adjective

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Built on a cheeky sustainability mission and cult-favorite dresses worn by celebrities and wedding guests, Reformation targets style-conscious shoppers seeking pieces that last without fast-fashion guilt. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

On August 3, the singer and actress shared a cheeky pantsless pic in as part of a new photo dump. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026

Amid gasps from the audience, Styles gracefully landed on his side and struck a cheeky pose on the ground at the GNP Seguros Stadium. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

That misconceived rogue-robot sequel to the campy 2022 treat diluted the original’s cheeky horror comedy by overloading on messy espionage elements. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheeky

• creaky
• freaky
• kiki
• leaky
• sneaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way

cheekiness noun