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

Start simple with soft sourdough and chili oil for dipping or tartare with crispy chips before diving into a cheesy smashburger or ribbons of pasta coated in a creamy mushroom-herb sauce. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Non-meat items include sweet pineapple, kimchi, cheesy corn, jasmine rice, a veggie platter and macaroni salad. —Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2026

And there's something so deeply reassuring about that, nostalgic and cheesy or not. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Plump leeks nestle into cheesy shells in this baked pasta, another knockout from Rebecca. —Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 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