¹cheek

noun \ˈchēk\

: the part of the face that is below the eye and to the side of the nose and mouth

: an attitude or way of behaving that is rude and does not show proper respect

: one of the two parts of the body that a person sits on

Full Definition of CHEEK

: the fleshy side of the face below the eye and above and to the side of the mouth; broadly : the lateral aspect of the head

: something suggestive of the human cheek in position or form; especially : one of two laterally paired parts

: insolent boldness and self-assurance

: buttock 1

— cheek·ful \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

See cheek defined for English-language learners

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Origin of CHEEK

Middle English cheke, from Old English cēace; akin to Middle Low German kāke jawbone

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CHEEK

Synonyms: backchat, back talk, impertinence, impudence, insolence, mouth, sass, sauce

Synonym Discussion of CHEEK

temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger <had the temerity to refuse>. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence <an entrepreneur with audacity and vision>. hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance <admired for her hardihood>. effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy <outraged at his effrontery>. nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery <the nerve of that guy> <has the cheek to call herself a singer> <had the gall to demand proof> <the chutzpah needed for a career in show business>.