English

Noun

Cheerio ‎(plural Cheerios)

1. An individual piece of the breakfast cereal, Cheerios.

English

Interjection

cheerio

1. (Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, informal) a greeting or parting
   • 1921, Wodehouse, P. G., Indiscretions of Archie, ch. XIII. Rallying Round Percy:

     "In that case," said Archie, relieved, "cheerio, good luck, pip-pip, toodle-oo, and good-bye-ee! I'll be shifting!"

Synonyms

• (greeting): hello
• (parting): goodbye

Usage notes

Rarely used in North America. Although likely to be understood, it is likely to be considered humorous, and may be used in a parody of British English speakers.

Translations

Noun

cheerio ‎(plural cheerios)

1. (New Zealand, Australia) A small saveloy often consumed with tomato sauce at parties.
   • 1978, New Zealand. Parliament. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Debates (page 4230)

     The man who has gone around the cocktail circuit pounding cheerios to the end of time did not come in here and open his mouth once on the Bill.

Synonyms

• cocktail sausage
• little boy