cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb 

ˈche-rəb

plural cherubs or cherubim ˈcher-ə-ˌbim 

ˈker-,

 also  ˈcher-yə-

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 

 also  ˈcher-ə-

adjective

cherubically

chə-ˈrü-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cherublike

ˈcher-əb-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of cherub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting painting, inspired in part by Peter Paul Rubens’s portrait of King Philip, shows the King of Pop on horseback, in glinting gold armor, with cherubs fluttering overhead. —Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024

Mar-a-Lago scene is a far cry from Vance’s upbringing Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs and intricate golden inlays. —Jill Colvin and Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2024

The oldest, Caffè Tommaseo, was founded in 1830 as a series of jewel-box rooms adorned with sculpted cherubs and red velvet seating. —Taras Grescoe, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2024

There are also works exclusive to L.A., like a gold medallion adorned with a cherub. —Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb 

1

: a painting or drawing of a beautiful child usually with wings

2

: a chubby rosy child

cherubic

chə-ˈrü-bik 

adjective