cheek

play

noun \ˈchēk\

Definition of cheek

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 1

cheekful

play \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

See cheek defined for English-language learners

See cheek defined for kids

Examples of cheek in a Sentence

He kissed her on the cheek.
He's got a cheek ignoring us like that.

Origin and Etymology of cheek

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

cheek

verb

Definition of cheek

chiefly British

transitive verb
: to speak rudely or impudently to

1840

First Known Use of cheek

1840

CHEEK Defined for English Language Learners

cheek

play

noun

Definition of cheek for English Language Learners

: 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

CHEEK Defined for Kids

cheek

play

noun \ˈchēk\

Definition of cheek for Students

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.

Medical Dictionary

cheek

noun \ˈchēk\

Medical Definition of cheek

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 1

cheek

transitive verb

Medical Definition of cheek

: 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