cheery

adjective

ˈchir-ē 

cheerier; cheeriest

1

: marked by cheerfulness or good spirits

2

: causing or suggesting cheerfulness

cheery music

cheerily

ˈchir-ə-lē 

adverb

cheeriness

ˈchir-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of cheery

• cheerful
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of cheery in a Sentence

a cheery grin on the host of the holiday party

a cheery, unexpected compliment can really make another person's day

Recent Examples on the Web

And who better to ring in this cheery time of year than with Mariah Carey—the undisputed queen of Christmas? — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

On shelves at the beloved bargain grocery store this November come all kinds of festive desserts, gift ideas, party appetizer shortcuts, cheery tableware, advent calendars (including the coveted cheese version), and decor galore. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026

For instance, there’s his portrait of four cheery little brown and white woolly dancing dogs (relatives of today’s bichons and poodles, perhaps) named Lusette, Madore, Rosette, and Moucheby. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

The boy was a soccer player who was enchanted by the idea of camping in the woods; Charlotte was bright and cheery, sometimes applying glitter to her father’s mustache. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cheery

• beery
• bleary
• cirri
• dearie
• deary
• dreary
• eerie
• kiri
• leary
• leery
• peery
• query

Kids Definition

cheery

adjective

ˈchi(ə)r-ē 

cheerier; cheeriest

: merry and bright in manner or effect : cheerful

cheerily

ˈchir-ə-lē 

adverb

cheeriness

ˈchir-ē-nəs 

noun