cliché

noun

cli·​ché klē-ˈshā How to pronounce cliché (audio)
ˈklē-ˌshā,
kli-ˈshā
variants or less commonly cliche
1
: a trite phrase or expression
also : the idea expressed by it
2
: a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3
: something (such as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
cliché adjective

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What is the Difference Between cliché and stereotype?

The words cliché and stereotype have a good deal in common. Both come from French, both were originally printers’ terms, and both have come to take on somewhat negative meanings in modern use.

Their original meanings are essentially synonymous, referring to printing blocks from which numerous prints could be made. In fact, cliché means stereotype in French. Their modern meanings, however, are quite distinct. Cliché is today overwhelmingly encountered in reference to something hackneyed, such as an overly familiar or commonplace phrase, theme, or expression. Stereotype is most frequently now employed to refer to an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.

Examples of cliché in a Sentence

Non-Amateur writers avoid industriously the word Orwellian, because even years ago it became an overused and underdefined cliché. William F. Buckley, Jr., National Review, 1 May 2000
FILM "I Like It Like That": It has every cliché of the 'hood genre, elevated by a strong woman protagonist and a few comic moments. Bell Hooks, Ms., September/October 1994
I'd never been out with a model before, so I hadn't even bargained on the cliché of the rock star and the model as being part of my life. David Bowie, quoted in Rolling Stone, 10 June 1993
Time has been the best healer for the pain of loss, just as the old cliché says, but letting go is still difficult. Lynn McAndrews, My Father Forgets, 1990
… don't seek the ultimate, general solution; find a corner that can be defined precisely and, as our new cliché proclaims, go for it. Stephen Jay Gould, Natural History, July 1987
a speech filled with clichés about “finding your way” and “keeping the faith” The macho cop of Hollywood movies has become a cliché.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bana embodies Kyle’s suffocating cliches with endearing commitment, his gravelly voice, gentle countenance, and steadfast capability combining to form a recognizable portrait of pride and suffering. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 July 2025 And in a twist on the typical movie cliches, guess who plays the ditzy character this time? Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 July 2025 In a film landscape where reliance on tropes and cliches leads to a predictable time at the movies, Ari Aster marches to the beat of his own, often deranged, drummer. Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The old cliche seems true, that writing is tough, but having written is wonderful. James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025 The cliche is old, outdated and just a lazy argument used in conversations where not much knowledge of the WNBA is present. Fiifi Frimpong, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025 The channel presents videos of Adams traveling to various country clubs and using Jewish cliches to poke fun at golf’s historic exclusion of Jews. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2025 The actor does his best to exude menace, but he’s hampered by a script filled with franchise cliches like an evil admiral (Peter Weller) and Kirk playing fast and loose with the Prime Directive. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025 To invoke a cliche, the movie teaches you how to watch it, establishing a visual language early and hammering it often. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, printer's stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cliché was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cliché.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clich%C3%A9. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cliché

noun
cli·​ché klē-ˈshā How to pronounce cliché (audio)
ˈklē-ˌshā,
kli-ˈshā
: a phrase or expression used so often that it becomes stale
also : the idea expressed by it
Etymology

French, literally, "metal printing plate"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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