cheesy

1 of 2

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

cheesiness

2 of 2

noun

chees·​i·​ness

ˈchē-zē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being cheesy

Synonyms of cheesy

Adjective

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

Examples of cheesy in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

My love is unconditional and nothing will separate me from your cheesy beefy burrito and avocado chicken stacker. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

Shredded zucchini casserole is creamy, cheesy, and one of our favorite ways to enjoy summer’s bounty. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 27 July 2026

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, whom Hegseth installed after firing Cao’s predecessor, then weighed in with a Hollywood scriptwriter’s cheesy panache to say the incident debrief was complete. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Garden-ripe tomatoes team with fresh basil to make this wonderfully cheesy tart. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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