cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb 

ˈche-rəb

plural cherubs or cherubim 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

chə-ˈrü-bik 

 also  ˈcher-ə-

adjective

cherubically

chə-ˈrü-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cherublike

ˈcher-əb-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of cherub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nowhere is the dream of pastoral harmony regained through scientific knowledge more beautifully realized than in Boucher’s nocturne of a cherub, telescope in hand, contemplating the moon. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

At Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup final, which Chelsea won 3-0 against Manchester United to clinch a historic undefeated domestic treble, Williams waltzed through the mixed zone first, the entourage — including her husband — trailing behind the tennis great, cherubs in her wake. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Trump also reportedly brought gold cherubs from his Mar-a-Lago resort. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Related Articles Cardi accessorized with bold statement, cherub ribbon earrings by Phoebe Hyles, crafted for Nicol & Ford’s fall 2024 collection. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cherub

• carib
• carob

Kids Definition

cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb 

1

: a painting or drawing of a beautiful child usually with wings

2

: a chubby rosy child

cherubic

chə-ˈrü-bik 

adjective