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

The holiday season often sees families gather around the TV set, whether to bask in the glow of a digital yule log or watch cheesy movies like Hot Frosty. —K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024

Examples are the chicken dumpling, cheesy broccoli, cream of mushroom and loaded potato. —Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

Grab some eggnog and queue up your favorite cheesy Christmas flick. —Daniel Wine, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

The casserole combines the best of a soft, tender, luscious baked potato with the unique satisfaction of a crispy, cheesy crust on top. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 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