cherubic

American  

[chuh-roo-bik] / tʃəˈru bɪk /

Sometimes cherubical

adjective

1. of or having the nature of a cherub, or an angel represented as a rosy-cheeked child with wings; angelic.

2. having a plump, pretty innocence.

   a cherubic face and a dazzling smile.

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Other Word Forms

• cherubically adverb

Etymology

Origin of cherubic

First recorded in 1620–1630; cherub + -ic

Explanation

Use the word cherubic to describe someone with a round face and an air of sweetness, whether you’re talking about a cute cooing baby or your innocent-looking, round-faced 40-year-old brother. The word cherubic, pronounced "CHAIR-uh-bick," is used to describe someone who looks like a cherub, a baby-like angel you’ve probably seen in Renaissance paintings. Today, you don’t have to be divine, winged, or even a child to be described as cherubic. The word describes those who have a rosy, childlike innocence and a sweet, pleasing roundness.

Example Sentences

“I had this smiling, cherubic thing, and I think that worked against me. Girls with guitars who were relevant were angst-filled and angular.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

"Who was Dwight Eisenhower?" a cherubic teenager asked.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2023

The wooden figure—with its shaggy white hair, black curlicue mustache, and cherubic pink cheeks—bears little resemblance to Donald Trump’s signature comb over and bronzed skin.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2023

But critics said the trio was held together by the diminutive, cherubic, irrepressibly ebullient Mr. Pressler, who as mentor and leader preserved its technical quality and its confluence of musical views.

From New York Times • May 6, 2023

The assembly began with our cherubic lederhosen-and-Tyrolean-hat-wearing German Dance Club boys stomping their feet and slapping their naked pink knees.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith