Langimage
English

cherub

|cher/ub|

B2

/ˈtʃɛrəb/

angelic being

Etymology
Etymology Information

'cherub' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'kərūḇ', where 'kərūḇ' meant 'angelic being'.

Historical Evolution

'kərūḇ' transformed into the Latin word 'cherubim', and eventually became the modern English word 'cherub' through Old French.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'angelic being', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a beautiful or innocent-looking child'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a winged angelic being described in biblical tradition as attending on God, typically represented as a chubby, healthy-looking child with wings.

The painting depicted a cherub playing a harp.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a beautiful or innocent-looking child.

The baby had the face of a cherub.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/12 19:36