cheery

1 of 2

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

cheeriness

2 of 2

noun

cheer·​i·​ness ˈchir-ē-nəs 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being cheery

Synonyms of cheery

Adjective

• cheerful
• bright
• optimistic

Examples of cheery in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The grape has truly found its spiritual home in New Zealand, where winemakers generally make cheap and cheery versions sporting aromas and flavors of cut grass, green herbs, green apple, and melon. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

Not the psychological optimism of cheery moods, but the scientific optimism that is the main subject of this book. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026

The same California Craftsman look; almost identical plank siding; a similar tasteful yet cheery color palette. — Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Then, in the meditation hall, our cheery host suddenly turned serious and began pounding on a 350-year-old drum from a samurai castle used for marking the beginning of chores. — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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