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

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

From New York Times

They led by 11 after the first quarter, 17 at halftime, 33 after three, and they just kept piling it on, so much that Jack Nicholson spent the game looking like a gleeful cherub.

From Los Angeles Times

The moment we were alone, the guiltless cherub mutated into Cerberus, screaming and scratching at me.

From New York Times

The album’s first song, “Cherub,” features a tranquil flute atop their classically frenetic beat.

From Washington Post

“I needed her to be a falling cherub, because that’s what I saw,” he said.

From New York Times