English Explanatory Dictionary

cliché

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Something, most often a phrase or expression, that is overused or used outside its original context, so that its original impact and meaning are lost. A trite saying; a platitude.
  2. A stereotype (printing plate).
adj
  1. Clichéd; having the characteristics of a cliché.
verb
  1. To use a cliché; to make up a word or a name that sounds like a cliché.

Pronunciation

/ˈkliː.ʃeɪ/ /kliˈʃeɪ/ en-us-cliché.ogg

Word forms

cliché clichés cliche more cliché most cliché clichéing clichéd clichéed

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from French cliché.

Synonyms

platitude stereotype byword saying adage saw proverb maxim apothegm apophthegm dictum gnome gnomic saying mantra paroemia

Related words

click

Derived words

clichéd clichély cliché-ridden cliché verre line cliché thought-terminating cliché tired cliché
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