cheek
11 synonyms for cheek, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The soft, fleshy part on either side of the face, below the eye.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cheek
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
have the cheek to
turn the other cheek
rosy cheeks
"Cheek" meaning impudence is mainly British/Commonwealth usage.
Etymology
From Old English ceace/ceoce, meaning "cheek" or "jaw", related to Dutch kaak and German Kiefer-type words for jaw.
Full origin of cheek →Frequently asked questions
What does “cheek” mean?
The word “cheek” means the soft, fleshy part on either side of the face, below the eye. In plain terms, the side of your face — or, informally, a bit of nerve or sass in how someone talks.
How do you pronounce “cheek”?
“Cheek” is pronounced cheek (/t͡ʃiːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “cheek” in a sentence?
Here is “cheek” used in a sentence: “She kissed him on the cheek.”
What part of speech is “cheek”?
Depending on how it is used, “cheek” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cheek” come from?
The word “cheek” comes from Old English. From Old English ceace/ceoce, meaning "cheek" or "jaw", related to Dutch kaak and German Kiefer-type words for jaw.
Is “cheek” a common word?
“Cheek” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “cheek” have?
“Cheek” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the soft, fleshy part on either side of the face, below the eye.
Is "cheek" meaning rudeness formal or informal?
In the sense of bold or disrespectful speech, "cheek" is informal and chiefly British. It suggests impudence that is more cheeky or nervy than seriously offensive, as in "that's enough of your cheek."
What is the difference between "cheek" and "nerve"?
Both can describe bold or brazen behaviour, but "cheek" leans towards playful impudence, while "nerve" often suggests a more shocking boldness. Saying someone "has a nerve" tends to sound stronger than saying they "have a cheek."
