Cherub

Pronunciation

• enPR: chÄ•rʹəb, IPA: /ˈtʃɛrÉ™b/

Origin

From Old English cerubin, from Late Latin cherub, from Ancient Greek χερούβ, ultimately from Hebrew כְּרוּב ( kerúv)

Full definition of cherub

Noun

1. A winged creature represented over 90 times in the Bible as attending on God, later seen as the second highest order of angels, ranked above thrones and below seraphim. First mention is in Genesis 3:24
2. A statue or other depiction of such a being, typically in the form of a winged child.
3. (figuratively) A person, especially a child, seen as being particularly innocent or angelic.

Derived terms

• cherubic

Synonyms

• (winged child) cupid, putto, amoretto
• (innocent or angelic person) angel, innocent