cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor

b

: containing cheese

2

: shabby sense 3c, cheap

a cheesy movie

cheesy motels

cheesiness noun

Synonyms of cheesy

• inappropriate
• tacky
• trashy
• unsuitable
• incorrect
• tasteless
• wrong
• cheap
• unfashionable

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

cheesy plastic knickknacks lined the fireplace mantel

a cheesy watch that he bought from a sidewalk vendor preying on tourists

Recent Examples on the Web

Fall calls for comfort food, and these cheesy potatoes are just that. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

With their low budgets and often cheesy storylines, microdramas were seen as a new take on an old genre — the TV soap opera — with one major difference. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

But what sparked his idea for the cheesy potato shell was inspiration from his wife’s salads with cheddar cheese crisps as croutons. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026

Cheesy Rosemary and Pecan Snack Mix This extra cheesy snack mix is sure to be a hit at any tailgate party. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cheesy

• breezy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

Kids Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

1

a

: resembling or suggesting cheese

b

: containing cheese

2

: cheap sense 3a

a cheesy movie

cheesiness noun

Medical Definition

cheesy

adjective

ˈchē-zē 

cheesier; cheesiest

: resembling cheese in consistency

cheesy lesions

a cheesy discharge