# cherub

/ˈtʃɛɹəb/ (US) · /tʃˈɛɹʌb/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cherub
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a small baby angel with wings, often shown in paintings and Christmas art. You also use it for a sweet little child with round cheeks.

For teachers: a winged infant figure representing an angel in Christian art and tradition; by extension, a beautiful or innocent-looking young child.

## Examples

- The card shows a smiling cherub with tiny wings.
- The ceiling of the old church shows faded cherubs playing music among the clouds.
- The old chapel glittered with gilded cherubs whose plump cheeks and folded wings softened the solemn grandeur of the marble altar below.

## Usage notes

- Plural is usually 'cherubs'; 'cherubim' appears in religious or formal contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.