cheek

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal · British English

n. behavior that is slightly rude or shows a lack of respect.

n. impudence or insolence; behavior that is bold and disrespectful, often in a way that is annoying but not necessarily aggressive.

“He had the cheek to ask for more money after doing a bad job.”

“I cannot believe she had the cheek to show up at the party uninvited after the argument we had last week.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. one of the two rounded parts of a person's bottom.

n. either of the two fleshy protuberances that form the human buttocks.

“The swimsuit was so small that her cheeks were showing.”

“The cyclist suffered a painful bruise on his right cheek after falling off his bike during the final sprint.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal · British English

v. to speak to someone in a rude or disrespectful way.

v. to address someone with impudence or insolence.

“Don't you dare cheek your mother like that.”

“The student was sent to the principal's office after he cheeked the teacher in front of the entire class.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical

n. one of two matching side pieces of a tool or machine.

n. one of the side pieces of a structure or machine part, such as the sides of an axehead or a pulley block.

“The cheeks of the vice hold the wood firmly in place.”

“The blacksmith carefully inspected the cheeks of the axehead for any signs of structural fatigue before finishing the handle.”