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

Leave a border around the edge of the filling so each bite has the perfect ratio of cheesy filling, juicy tomatoes, and buttery pastry. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025

Slim and old, throwaway pamphlet style with cheesy illustrations. —Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025

Designed to fill breaks in the action and typically set to cheesy pop ballads, the kiss cam was a major innovation that shifted the focus from courts and fields into the stands. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025

In a cheesy way, that ended up being one of the best days of our lives. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 2 Aug. 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