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

Think: neutral glam—like, a warm brown on the lips, a similar shade on the cheeks, and a fairer shade on the eyes. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Beyoncé's Makeup Artist Says These Will Be the Coolest Makeup Trends of 2019," 23 Jan. 2019 Before the final against Australia, the players roared the anthem with passion and such intensity that some of them had tears streaming down their cheeks. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "England players under orders to belt out national anthem at World Cup," 3 July 2018 Public defender Isquick spoke for the family as Rosalind Ali listened, tears rolling down her cheeks. — Andrea Simakis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Clinic, parents clash over girl's brain tumor treatment; court to decide," 13 May 2018 A few minutes later, both of them had tears rolling down their cheeks. — Mark Long, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Jaguars' Paul Posluszny would rather retire a year early than a play late," 16 Apr. 2018 Meadows now has 20 faux freckles total—a cluster on her cheeks, nose, and forehead—that can last anywhere from a couple months to a few years, depending on a variety of factors like skincare routine and sun exposure. — Rose Minutaglio, Harper's BAZAAR, "I Loved Meghan Markle's Freckles So Much I Got Some Tattooed On My Face," 23 July 2018 The girl described another incident last December when Joseph Gorham allegedly beat her with a plastic tube from their vacuum cleaner, leaving her with bruises on her forehead, cheeks, hands, arms, legs and rear. — Kaitlyn Schwers, kansascity, "Missouri couple accused of tormenting 8-year-old face 52 counts of abuse, neglect," 31 May 2018 Start with the underside, moving the right hand across the face toward the left cheek, and opposite for the left hand. — Adam Hurly, Esquire, "Your Beard Needs Oil," 8 Mar. 2018 Change it up: Start with the cheek or the lip instead. — Ally Betker, Vogue, "How to Break Out of a Makeup Rut, According to Editorial Pro Dick Page," 3 Jan. 2019

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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Last Updated

8 Feb 2019

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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

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

informal : 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