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

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

Adjective

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In fact, plundering England’s lower leagues is a rich source of unique goals, from Ballard’s spectacular effort to this cheeky one from Crewe Alexandra striker Josh March in their 1-0 League Two win over Northampton on Saturday. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Her $110 Calzedonia set included a triangle top and cheeky bottoms. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

There are also a few cheeky nods to the area's Old West past, including saloon nights with live music and card games and outdoor firepits for roasting marshmallows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 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