cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˌbōn 

: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone

also : zygomatic bone

Examples of cheekbone in a Sentence

He suffered a broken cheekbone.

She has high cheekbones, like her father.

Recent Examples on the Web

Getty Images Layers that refine the face The front layers of the butterfly bob begin at or slightly below the cheekbone, creating a visual effect that lengthens and defines the face without being too harsh. —Dulce Moncada, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2025

Shorten up your face-framing layers and style them to curve inward to cup your cheekbones and chin. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

And on an opposite note, Ciara brought drama with an intense eye look paired with a soft pink lip and cheekbones that did all the talking. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 15 Dec. 2025

From functioning as a natural makeup primer to taking cheekbones to new heights, ice cubes are a secret weapon for many top facialists, models, and makeup artists. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheekbone

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone
• dethrone

Kids Definition

cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn 

-ˌbōn

: the bone or the bony ridge below the eye

Medical Definition

cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn 

: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone

also : zygomatic bone