cherub
cherub Lexical Profile
cherub Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A representation in Western art of a chubby, rosy-faced, winged infant.
"The baroque ceiling of the cathedral was painted with clouds and dozens of golden cherubs."
A beautiful, innocent, or sweet-tempered child with a round, chubby face.
"The toddler looked like a little cherub sleeping peacefully in his crib."
A winged angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God, typically ranked in the second highest order of the celestial hierarchy just below the seraphim.
"The ancient tapestry depicted a glowing cherub guarding the entrance to the sacred garden."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word has two accepted plural forms depending on context: 'cherubim' is typically used for the biblical angelic order, whereas 'cherubs' is preferred for artistic depictions of winged infants or sweet-natured children.
• Rhymes for cherub
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Late Latin and Ancient Greek from Hebrew 'kerub', denoting a winged celestial being, likely related to Akkadian 'karibu', a protective spirit or intercessor.