cheek

cheek · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Either side of the face below the eye.

  2. 2.

    (informal) Impudence or bold behavior.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Either of the two sides of the buttocks.

Forms

plural: cheeks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cheek to cheek — with faces close together (dancing)
  • •
    turn the other cheek — to respond to aggression with patience
  • •
    tongue in cheek — in an ironic or joking manner
  • •
    cheek by jowl — very close together
  • •
    have the cheek to — to have the audacity to do something

Related words

Antonyms: humility, respect
See also: cheeks, cheeky, face, impudence
Synonyms: audacity, impudence, jowl

Etymology

From Old English cēace ("cheek, jaw"), from Proto-Germanic kaukōn. The slang sense of "impudence" developed in the 19th century, possibly from the idea of "having a lot of face" or boldness.