# cheers

/ˈtʃɪɹz/ (US) · /tʃˈiəz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheers
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a drinking toast

interjection · CEFR A2

something you say when you raise your glass to drink with other people.

For teachers: a conventional toast used when drinking in company to express goodwill.

- Everyone raised their glasses and said cheers before taking a sip of wine.
- The host raised his glass and shouted cheers, prompting the entire wedding party to stand and drink to the couple's health.

Usage: Usually spoken as a standalone exclamation while clinking glasses.

### 2. thank you

interjection · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

a casual way to say thank you.

For teachers: an informal expression of gratitude or acknowledgement.

- Cheers for the lift home, I really appreciate it.
- Cheers for pointing out that typo in the report before I sent it to the director.

Teaching tip: This usage is very common in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand but is less frequent in American English.

### 3. goodbye

interjection · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

a casual way to say goodbye, especially at the end of an email.

For teachers: an informal valediction used when departing or as a sign-off in correspondence.

- I'll see you at the station tomorrow then. Cheers.
- He ended the quick email with a casual cheers before heading out to catch his train.

Teaching tip: Often used as a friendly, low-pressure way to end a conversation or a short message.

## Examples

- Cheers to your new job!
- He raised his glass and said 'Cheers' before taking a sip of the wine.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.