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

This year’s round-up has something for every home cook and every occasion, from easy weeknight dinners to cheesy holiday casseroles to seasonal cocktails with a twist. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024

Unlike most cheesy romances, this film finds the teenage Grace (Desiree Ross) entering Parton's singing competition with the hopes of being a country performer. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Stressed-out people don’t crave apples, so the compound effect of eating cheesy/greasy foods, not working out, waking up exhausted, and drinking several cups of coffee before 10 am took a toll mentally and physically. —Jack McCullough, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Start by breaking off pieces of the outer bread and dipping them in the cheesy middle. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

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