B2noun1K

Cheek

UK /["/tʃiːk/"]/US /["/tʃiːk/"]/

Definition

either side of the face below the eyes

In simple words: The soft area on your face below your eyes.

Examples

  • She gave him a playful slap on the cheek after he told a funny joke.
  • The doctor examined her cheek for any signs of infection.
  • He felt a chill on his cheek as the wind picked up.
  • His cheeky sense of humor often got him into trouble.
  • She had a cheeky grin on her face after winning the game.
  • He was too cheeky with his remarks at the meeting, making everyone uncomfortable.

Usage notes

Commonly used when referring to facial features in general conversation. Avoid using in very formal contexts where more specific terms may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'cheeky' smile on your cheek!

Collocations

  • flushed
  • hot
  • warm
  • brush
  • caress
  • dab
  • blaze
  • blush
  • burn
  • across somebody’s/​the cheek
  • against somebody’s cheek
  • down somebody’s cheek
  • bring the colour/​color (back) to somebody’s cheeks
  • color floods (to) your cheeks
  • the colour/​color rises to your cheeks
  • awful
  • barefaced
  • colossal
  • have
  • of all the cheek!
  • what a cheek!

Synonyms

  • nerve

Antonyms

  • forehead
  • chin

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cheeks'— forgets to use plural for both sides of the face.
  • Spelling errors such as 'cheeky' when referring to the face.
  • Using 'cheek' when meaning 'cheeky' in personality context.