noun

cherub

CHEH-ruhb

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Cherub (noun) means In art, a chubby winged child or baby's head with wings, often used to represent an angel. Example: “The ceiling fresco was covered in painted cherubs.”

noun

In art, a chubby winged child or baby's head with wings, often used to represent an angel.

"The ceiling fresco was covered in painted cherubs."

A child, or person, seen as especially sweet, innocent, or angelic-looking.

"Their new baby looked like a little cherub asleep in the pram."

In religious texts, a high-ranking type of angel described very differently from the artistic image — often as a strange, powerful winged being.

"The Bible describes cherubim guarding the throne of God."

How to use cherub

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly pictured as a cute winged baby in paintings, though the original religious meaning describes a far more imposing kind of angel.

Common pairings

cherubic face little cherub cherub statue

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: cherubs, cherubim, cherubims, cherubin

Test yourself on “cherub” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The ceiling fresco was covered in painted _____.

Etymology

From Hebrew keruv via Greek and Latin into Old English. The word's meaning shifted a lot over the centuries — the plump winged babies familiar from Renaissance art are a much later, softer image than the original biblical descriptions.

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

devil

Related words

god saint angel monster bother devil Satan demon

Frequently asked questions

What does “cherub” mean?

The word “cherub” means in art, a chubby winged child or baby's head with wings, often used to represent an angel. In plain terms, most commonly pictured as a cute winged baby in paintings, though the original religious meaning describes a far more imposing kind of angel.

How do you pronounce “cherub”?

“Cherub” is pronounced CHEH-ruhb (/ˈt͡ʃɛ.ɹəb/ in IPA).

How do you use “cherub” in a sentence?

Here is “cherub” used in a sentence: “The ceiling fresco was covered in painted cherubs.”

What part of speech is “cherub”?

“Cherub” is a noun.

Where does the word “cherub” come from?

The word “cherub” comes from Latin.

How many meanings does “cherub” have?

“Cherub” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in art, a chubby winged child or baby's head with wings, often used to represent an angel.

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