cherubic

American  

[chuh-roo-bik] / tʃəˈru bɪk /

Sometimes cherubical

adjective

1. of or having the nature of a cherub, or an angel represented as a rosy-cheeked child with wings; angelic.

2. having a plump, pretty innocence.

   a cherubic face and a dazzling smile.

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Other Word Forms

• cherubically adverb

Etymology

Origin of cherubic

First recorded in 1620–1630; cherub + -ic

Explanation

Use the word cherubic to describe someone with a round face and an air of sweetness, whether you’re talking about a cute cooing baby or your innocent-looking, round-faced 40-year-old brother. The word cherubic, pronounced "CHAIR-uh-bick," is used to describe someone who looks like a cherub, a baby-like angel you’ve probably seen in Renaissance paintings. Today, you don’t have to be divine, winged, or even a child to be described as cherubic. The word describes those who have a rosy, childlike innocence and a sweet, pleasing roundness.

Example Sentences

“Adolescence” refuses to moralize, but in Jamie, the series finds a cherubic picture of innocence corrupted that can be applied to youth everywhere.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2025

“I had this smiling, cherubic thing, and I think that worked against me. Girls with guitars who were relevant were angst-filled and angular.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

The wooden figure—with its shaggy white hair, black curlicue mustache, and cherubic pink cheeks—bears little resemblance to Donald Trump’s signature comb over and bronzed skin.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2023

With a cherubic face she looked every bit the part of a young lover, and, with a touch of careless manspreading while lighting a cigarette, very much a boy.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2023

Although both men, one hefty and yet almost cherubic looking, and the other very tall and lanky, seemed vaguely familiar, Linda recognized neither.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols