cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb How to pronounce cherub (audio)
ˈche-rəb
plural cherubs or cherubim ˈcher-ə-ˌbim How to pronounce cherub (audio)
ˈker-
also ˈcher-yə-
Synonyms of cherubnext
1
cherubim plural : an order of angels see celestial hierarchy
2
plural usually cherubs
a
: a beautiful usually winged child in painting and sculpture
b
: an innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy person
This torrent of arcane football lingo spewed from the lips of a red-haired, freckle-faced cherub …—Tim Layden
cherubic
chə-ˈrü-bik How to pronounce cherub (audio)
also ˈcher-ə-
adjective
cherubically
chə-ˈrü-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cherub (audio)
adverb
cherublike
ˈcher-əb-ˌlīk How to pronounce cherub (audio)
adjective

Examples of cherub in a Sentence

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.
In the main reception room, carved cherubs cheekily carry an original marble fireplace on their shoulders. — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Bieber had stepped onto a smaller stage, more sharply circular than the first, and two acoustic guitarists came to sit on either side of him, flanking him like twin cherubs attentive at their harps. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026 In Wood’s ritzy dressing room worthy of Elizabeth Taylor, a cherub hangs overhead, while a leap of ceramic leopards prowls the lounge. — Zoey Goto, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026 The lobby also features the building's original hanging clock, attended by metal cherub figures, that was restored to working condition. — Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cherub

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cherub was in the 14th century

Rhymes for cherub

See All Rhymes for cherub

Browse Nearby Words

cherty
cherub
cherubic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cherub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cherub. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cherub

noun
cher·​ub ˈcher-əb How to pronounce cherub (audio)
1
: a painting or drawing of a beautiful child usually with wings
2
: a chubby rosy child
cherubic
chə-ˈrü-bik How to pronounce cherub (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cherub

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cherub

Nglish: Translation of cherub for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cherub

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