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

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

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

Folks love it for its versatility and familiar creamy, cheesy flavor profile. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2025

Frozen shredded hash browns are the secret ingredient in this cheesy ground beef casserole. —Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025

Renegades, however, does look more promising than Edge of Fate did, and cheesy or not, Star Wars is likely to bring in more players. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

These cheesy jalapeno poppers come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025

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