cheeky

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

Synonyms of cheeky

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Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

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.
The cheeky beach bar, complete with its iconic VW car, serves up drinks, good vibes, and surf lessons for those keen to get on the waves. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 Kelly Clarkson had a cheeky response after a gust of wind nearly caused a wardrobe malfunction during her Las Vegas residency. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Olive French tips, intricate martini glasses, cheetah print, stars, and pool balls create a cheeky design that’s made for late nights and good stories. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 The team, which viewers will officially meet next week in Episode 2, consists of Boots (Jude Mack), the cheeky twin sisters Niamh (Aisling Sharkey) and Siobhan (Rex Hayes), Margy (Mercedes Assad), and her girlfriend Mady (Annelise Heywood). — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheeky

Word History

Etymology

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheeky was in 1838

Rhymes for cheeky

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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 13 Aug. 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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