cheeseball

1 of 2

adjective

cheese·​ball ˈchēz-ˌbȯl 

chiefly US, informal

: inferior in quality : cheap, cheesy

… the orchestration is still layered, complex, and hypnotic. Too bad the production is so blandly cheeseball.

—Rob Brunner, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 1999

Stay away from the touristy Pioneer Square historic district and most of its cheeseball clubs, at least on nights and weekends.

—Spin, July 2006

cheeseball

2 of 2

noun

cheese·​ball ˈchēz-ˌbȯl 

plural cheeseballs

chiefly US, informal

: a person who lacks style or good taste : a cheesy person

The other person of interest is … in his mid-30s, works in New York's fashion industry, and considers his looks a hobby. He's a cheeseball, but a fascinating one.

—Wesley Morris, Boston Globe, 18 May 2012

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

cheese entry 1 (in sense "something, such as entertainment, lacking style, taste, or originality") + -ball (as in cornball, goofball, oddball entry 2, screwball entry 2)

Noun

nominal use of cheeseball entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1986, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now