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cherub

noun cher·ub \ ˈcher-əb , ˈche-rəb \

Definition of cherub

plural cherubs or cherubim play \ˈcher-ə-ˌbim, ˈker- also ˈcher-yə-\
1 cherubim 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
  • This torrent of arcane football lingo spewed from the lips of a red-haired, freckle-faced cherub …
  • —Tim Layden
—

cherubic

play \chə-ˈrü-bik also ˈcher-ə-\ adjective
—

cherubically

play \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
—

cherublike

play \ˈcher-əb-ˌlīk\ adjective

See cherub defined for English-language learners

See cherub defined for kids

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Origin and Etymology of cherub

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

Other Christian Religious Terms

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

CHERUB Defined for English Language Learners

cherub

noun

Definition of cherub for English Language Learners

  • : a type of angel that is usually shown in art as a beautiful young child with small wings and a round face and body

  • : someone (such as a child) who is thought of as being like a small angel

CHERUB Defined for Kids

cherub

noun cher·ub \ ˈcher-əb \

Definition of cherub for Students

1 :a beautiful child usually with wings in paintings and drawings
2 :a cute chubby child

Learn More about cherub

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of cherub Nglish: Translation of cherub for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cherub

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