cherub

noun

cher·​ub ˈcher-əb How to pronounce cherub (audio)
ˈche-rəb
plural cherubs or cherubim ˈcher-ə-ˌbim How to pronounce cherub (audio)
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 cherubTim Layden
cherubic
chə-ˈrü-bik How to pronounce cherub (audio)
 also  ˈcher-ə-
adjective
cherubically adverb
cherublike adjective

Examples of cherub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for cherub

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek cheroub, from Hebrew kĕrūbh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cherub was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cherub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cherub. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cherub

noun
cher·​ub ˈcher-əb How to pronounce cherub (audio)
1
: a painting or drawing of a beautiful child usually with wings
2
: a chubby rosy child
cherubic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cherub

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