cherub

[ cher-uhb ]

noun

, plural cher·ubs cher·u·bim [cher, -, uh, -bim, -y, oo, -bim]

1. (in the Bible) a celestial being.
2. Theology. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.
3. a beautiful or innocent person, especially a child.
4. a person, especially a child, with a sweet, chubby, innocent face.

cherub

/ tʃəˈruːbɪk; ˈtʃɛrəb /

noun

1. theol a member of the second order of angels, whose distinctive gift is knowledge, often represented as a winged child or winged head of a child
2. an innocent or sweet child

Derived Forms

• cheˈrubically, adverb
• cherubic, adjective

Other Words From

• che·ru·bic [ch, uh, -, roo, -bik], che·rubi·cal adjective
• cherub·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherub¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew kərūbh; replacing Middle English cherubin, Old English c(h)erubin, cerubim (all singular), from Latin cherūbim, from Greek, from Hebrew kərūbhīm (plural)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cherub¹

Old English, from Hebrew kěrūbh

Example Sentences

My favorite, predictably, was the Tunnel of Love, where couples can pose on a vintage pink Cadillac under a roof painted with cherubs.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics likened Mr. Wagoner to a sweet-spirited cherub or a crinkly eyed teddy bear.

From New York Times

It is made of wood and plated with gold leaf, from the cherubs on the roof to the Greek sea gods over each wheel.

From Seattle Times

The panels feature Roman gods, and sculptures of cherubs and tritons ride on the roof and over the wheels.

From BBC

There is no end of hand-wringing over careerists who forgo the delights of cherubim in favor of corporate paychecks, but careful interrogations of parenthood are few and far between.

From Washington Post