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
• unsuitable
• trashy
• incorrect
• wrong
• tasteless
• 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

This savory, cheesy spread underneath. —Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026

These bites of heaven get a double layer of cheesy goodness that's enough to make a Southern crowd holler. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

Smoky bacon, crispy potatoes, and a luscious cheesy broth made with two kinds of cheddar plus heavy cream and beer for lightness and tang yield the ideal wintertime dinner. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2026

Her menu will include breakfasts featuring toast on Stand’s homemade milk bread as well as a bacon-egg-cheese sandwich with a jammy egg, cheesy miso caramel and nori flakes. —Connie Ogle may 30, Miami Herald, 30 May 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