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

Never mind that these dudes are whooping, hollering and jumping up and down in a state of hormonal overload, all over a music video resembling a cheesy ’80s aerobics instructional. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025

This casserole is extra creamy and topped with cheesy homemade biscuits. —Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025

Or try your hand at the ultimate comfort food: cheesy chicken lasagna casserole, which marries a classic lasagna with Alfredo sauce to make your taste buds explode. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025

This cheesy, fudge-like food is a staple of Norwegian kitchens—and a surprise on many hotel breakfast buffets throughout Norway. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for cheesy

• breezy
• easy
• queasy
• sleazy
• wheezy
• marchese
• speakeasy
• uneasy

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