cheek

noun

\ˈchēk

Definition of cheek

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

cheek

verb

cheeked; cheeking; cheeks

Definition of cheek (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

chiefly British

: to speak rudely or impudently to

Other Words from cheek Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about cheek

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Choose the Right Synonym for cheek

Noun

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

In trying to meet the first deadline, the government began with a list of 102 children potentially eligible to be reunited and whittled that to 75 through screening that included DNA testing done by swabbing the inside of the cheek. — Elliot Spagat And Mike Householder, chicagotribune.com, "Government falls short of deadline to reunite kids, parents separated at the border," 11 July 2018 When Yasser Arafat visited, the mayor gave him a key to the city, and Arafat kissed him on both cheeks. — Michael Paterniti, GQ, "Jimmy Carter for Higher Office," 26 June 2018 Orange Fenty Saw-C Lipstick on her pout, on her lids, on her cheeks, everywhere. — Ivana Rihter, Vogue, "This Cameroon-born Musician Is Changing the Face of Rock—One Bold Lip Color at a Time," 8 June 2018 When the 3-year-old boy climbed on his desk, Bailey allegedly grabbed the child by the face, causing bruises on both cheeks. — Brian Chasnoff, San Antonio Express-News, "A ‘propensity for violence’ and racism," 1 June 2018 People would always comment on my cheeks and try to squeeze them, or touch my hair. — refinery29.com, "Stop Telling Me What Asian Girls Should Look Like," 21 May 2018 Juve had the cheek to interrupt the aforementioned lap of honour after 84 minutes, winning a penalty after Enrico Bearzotti was adjudged to have handled in the box. — SI.com, "WATCH: Juventus Victory Gives Emotional Gianluigi Buffon Perfect Farewell," 19 May 2018 And on her cheeks, Tejada applied blush in Pretty Coral, also from Bobbi Brown. — Jillian Ruffo, PEOPLE.com, "Kylie Jenner Felt 'So Gorgeous' for Her Post-Baby Red Carpet Debut at the 2018 Met Gala," 8 May 2018 They are often recognized for their short, stubby tail and the tufts of fur on their cheeks. — Sarah Bowman, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana DNR proposes to allow hunting and trapping of bobcats," 5 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Three years later, with apartment buildings now cheek-by-jowl with the club, those same residents, joined by dozens more, raised concerns in emails and public meetings about potential noise from the roof. — Alan Neuhauser, Washington Post, "A D.C. strip club reopens to a changed neighborhood — of high-end condos and artisanal toast," 25 June 2018 Called Casting Couch, the piece depicts a paunchy, stubble-cheeked Weinstein seated on a chaise lounge in silk pajamas. — Gwynedd Stuart, Los Angeles Magazine, "How That Sculpture of Harvey Weinstein That Was Planted in Hollywood Got Made," 4 Apr. 2018 The soldiers were hollow-cheeked and drenched in sweat despite the sub-zero temperatures and the bitter wind in Paju, just 10 miles from South Korea's border with the North. — Mac William Bishop, NBC News, "North Korean ex-assassin recalls 1968: ‘The year that mattered most’," 26 Jan. 2018 Some of the old folks dance cheek to cheek, barely moving to the rhythm. — Kate Siber, USA TODAY, "Dance hall days: Texas preserves a treasured tradition," 25 Sep. 2017 On the deck of his trawler, Adam Stanwood—a barrel-chested, apple-cheeked fisherman in his 40s—uncovers a black plastic tray about two-and-a-half feet by one-and-a-half. — National Geographic, "Why Smuggling of This Ocean Creature May Skyrocket," 2 June 2017 The twins relax and hug each other, cheek pressed to cheek. — Andrea Simakis, cleveland.com, "When love and loss are multiplied - remembering a brother at Twins Days: Andrea Simakis," 13 Aug. 2017 Learn about the history of some of your favorite brands, what makes champagne, well, champagne, and leave a little rosy-cheeked after a delightful tasting. — Christina Liao, Vogue, "Why You Should Go to Champagne, France—And All the Houses You Should Visit," 31 July 2017 On the deck of his trawler, Adam Stanwood—a barrel-chested, apple-cheeked fisherman in his 40s—uncovers a black plastic tray about two-and-a-half feet by one-and-a-half. — National Geographic, "Why Smuggling of This Ocean Creature May Skyrocket," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cheek.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near cheek

Phrases Related to cheek

cheek to cheek

with (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek

Statistics for cheek

Last Updated

4 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for cheek

The first known use of cheek was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for cheek

cheek

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cheek

: the part of the face that is below the eye and to the side of the nose and mouth

: an attitude or way of behaving that is rude and does not show proper respect

: one of the two parts of the body that a person sits on

See the full definition for cheek in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cheek

noun

\ˈchēk

Kids Definition of cheek

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

2 : disrespectful speech or behavior He was punished for his cheek.

cheek

noun

\ˈchēk\

Medical Definition of cheek

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

transitive verb

Medical Definition of cheek (Entry 2 of 2)

: 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, 12 July 2000