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

• dowdy
• inelegant
• styleless
• tacky
• tasteless
• ticky-tacky
• ticky-tack
• trashy
• unfashionable
• unstylish

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

After a couple of encounters and a cheesy and sweet food pun, the two went on a date. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025

Key Ingredients for Potato Skins This ingredient list is short, and everything works overtime for the savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors of this classic appetizer. —Darcy Lenz, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2025

The wings are big, the breading is thick and the rub is a unique salty, cheesy mix. —Linh Ta, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025

Is the reveal that Samantha actually made Dylan’s version of heaven cheesy beyond belief? —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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