n.
Variant: also cli · che
Pronunciation: kl ē - ' sh ā , ' kl ē - ˌ , kli- '
Function: noun
Etymology: F, literally, printer's stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin
Date: 1892
1 : a trite phrase or expression also : the idea expressed by it
2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3 : something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
– cliché adjective