cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˌbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone
also : zygomatic bone

Examples of cheekbone in a Sentence

He suffered a broken cheekbone. She has high cheekbones, like her father.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Using your fingertips or a tool, knead and contour the facial muscles, moving along the jawline and upward toward the highs of the cheekbones and undereye region and across the forehead. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Black oval gemstones formed the shape of the letter M, with the tips reaching her hairline before descending to follow the initial curve of her cheekbones. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Coined in 2019 by The New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino, the phrase refers to a look characterized by a small button nose, high cheekbones and pouty lips. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 The Grammy winner's makeup, by makeup artist Dee, was a fun, colorful mix of hues, including cerulean blue, daffodil yellow, and orchid pink, with a brighter pink applied high up on her cheekbones and buffed out to her temples. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheekbone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheekbone was in the 15th century

Rhymes for cheekbone

See All Rhymes for cheekbone

Browse Nearby Words

cheek
cheekbone
cheek by jowl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheekbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheekbone. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cheekbone

noun
cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
: the bone or the bony ridge below the eye

Medical Definition

cheekbone

noun
cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone
also : zygomatic bone

More from Merriam-Webster on cheekbone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cheekbone

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