I. ˈchēp noun
Etymology: Middle English chep, from Old English cēap trade; akin to Old High German kouf trade; both ultimately from Latin caupo tradesman
Date: before 12th century
obsolete : bargain
•
- on the cheap
II. adjective
Date: 1509
1.
a. : purchasable below the going price or the real value
b. : charging or obtainable at a low price
a good cheap hotel
cheap tickets
c. : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation)
cheap dollars
2. : gained or done with little effort
a cheap victory
talk is cheap
3.
a. : of inferior quality or worth : tawdry , sleazy
cheap workmanship
b. : contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities
feeling cheap
c. : stingy
my cheap uncle
4. of money : obtainable at a low rate of interest
• cheap adverb
• cheap·ish ˈchē-pish adjective
• cheap·ish·ly adverb
• cheap·ly ˈchē-plē adverb
• cheap·ness noun