cheeky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈchē-kē How to pronounce cheeky (audio)
cheekier; cheekiest
Synonyms of cheeky
informal
: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing way
a cheeky grin
… old-timers who still look like they could deck you if you get too cheeky.—Shaun Assael
cheekily
ˈchē-kə-lē How to pronounce cheeky (audio)
adverb
cheekiness
ˈchē-kē-nəs How to pronounce cheeky (audio)
noun

cheekiness

2 of 2

noun

cheek·​i·​ness ˈchē-kē-nəs How to pronounce cheekiness (audio)
plural -es
: insolence or impudence of speech or behavior

Synonyms of cheeky

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Adjective

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Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

Adjective a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This cheeky quote will gain a smile from a parent with young adult kids. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 21 June 2026 The white detailing hits at your hips at just the right angle so the suit doesn't have to be super high cut or ultra-cheeky. — Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 On June 25, the 31-year-old stripped down for a cheeky new photo on Instagram. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 June 2026 La Canicule is an old term, a cheeky one, just newly representative of the climate crisis. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheeky

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheeky was in 1838

Rhymes for cheeky

See All Rhymes for cheeky

Browse Nearby Words

cheek tooth
cheeky
cheeny
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheeky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheeky. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective
ˈchē-kē How to pronounce cheeky (audio)
cheekier; cheekiest
informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way
cheekiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cheeky

Nglish: Translation of cheeky for Spanish Speakers

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