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

Oh, perfect naked cherubs running down the trail through the trees! —Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

Out went the restrained décor of previous administrations; in came gilt cherubs, Rococo mirrors, and medallions gleaming with theatrical flair. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2025

Trump has also made significant decorative changes to the Oval Office, incorporating gold accents, cherubs and other ornate touches, and has installed large flagpoles to display American flags on both the north and south lawns. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

The primary bedroom has a fireplace, private balcony, and ceiling painted with cherubs. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 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