cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˌbōn 

: 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

To emphasize the sad state of affairs, Ilett updated his followers on another bad hair day from inside a running shower, his matted locks drooping to his cheekbones. —Don Riddell, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

In one look, her sculptural cheekbones and full, sharp brows are highlighted. —Essence, 28 Aug. 2025

Leaning into the ridiculous beauty of both its leads, all cheekbones and blue-eyed yearning, the film is a moody and thoughtful interpretation of its literary origin. —Christina Newland, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025

Their faces are devilish in the firelight, the shadows bringing out the angles, the lines of their cheekbones. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheekbone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone
• dethrone

Kids Definition

cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

: the bone or the bony ridge below the eye

Medical Definition

cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn 

: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone

also : zygomatic bone