cheek

1 of 2

noun

ˈchēk 

1

: the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth

broadly : the lateral aspect of the head

2

: something suggestive of the human cheek in position or form

especially : one of two laterally paired parts

3

: insolent boldness and self-assurance

4

: buttock sense 1

cheekful

ˈchēk-ˌfu̇l 

noun

cheek

2 of 2

verb

cheeked; cheeking; cheeks

transitive verb

chiefly British

: to speak rudely or impudently to

Synonyms

Noun

• back talk
• backchat
• impertinence
• impudence
• insolence
• mouth
• sass
• sauce

Choose the Right Synonym for cheek

temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness.

temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger.

had the temerity to refuse

audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence.

an entrepreneur with audacity and vision

hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance.

admired for her hardihood

effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.

outraged at his effrontery

nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery.

the nerve of that guy

has the cheek to call herself a singer

had the gall to demand proof

the chutzpah needed for a career in show business

Examples of cheek in a Sentence

Noun

He kissed her on the cheek.

He's got a cheek ignoring us like that.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The lamplights still smiled like yellow orbs, and the cold bit just enough to feel on their cheeks, but the dusting of snow had sucked away all the usual exhaust and smoke. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 May 2025

In 2023, a 64-year-old man took a trip to Argentina and Brazil soon after having surgery on his cheek. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

Rare Beauty with spring-ready pinks on her cheeks and lids, and a glossy rose lip gloss. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 2 May 2025

As Kolbi delivered the opening lines, a single tear streaked down her cheek. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cheke, from Old English cēace; akin to Middle Low German kāke jawbone

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cheek

• cheek by jowl
• cheek to cheek
• cheek tooth
• tongue in cheek
• turn the other cheek
• with (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek

Rhymes for cheek

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• greek
• leak

Kids Definition

cheek

noun

ˈchēk

1

: the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth

2

: disrespectful speech or behavior : nerve

Medical Definition

cheek

1 of 2 noun

ˈchēk

1

: the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth

broadly : the lateral aspect of the head

2

: buttock sense 1

cheek

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to conceal (medication) in the cheek for future use

On March 29, two days before she committed suicide, the staff found she had been "cheeking medications" to save them for a later overdose …

—Michael O'D. Moore, The Bangor (Maine) Daily News