cherub

cher·ub

noun \ˈcher-əb, ˈche-rəb\

plural usually cher·u·bim\ˈcher-ə-ˌbim, ˈker- also ˈcher-yə-\

Definition of CHERUB

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

Origin of CHERUB

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary