Main Entry: cher·ub

Pronunciation: \ˈcher-əb, ˈche-rəb\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural usually cher·u·bim \ˈcher-ə-ˌbim, ˈker- also ˈcher-yə-\

Etymology: Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

Date: 13th century

1 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

— che·ru·bic \chə-ˈrü-bik also ˈcher-ə-\ adjective

— che·ru·bi·cal·ly \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— cher·ub·like \ˈcher-əb-ˌlīk\ adjective