cheekbone

noun

cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˌbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone
also : zygomatic bone

Examples of cheekbone in a Sentence

He suffered a broken cheekbone. She has high cheekbones, like her father.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some are manual tools, such as a gua sha, while others are made of smart tech to contour and accentuate the cheekbones. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 31 July 2026 As for her hair, the Oscar winner rocked platinum hair with a shadow root, while her curtain bangs were trimmed just below her cheekbones. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 July 2026 Tears traced the terrain of her face, curving around the high mountains of her cheekbones, pooling at her chin. — Reshma Kirpalani, NPR, 29 July 2026 With his sharp cheekbones; broad, Seacrestian smile; and the game-show-host deportment to match, Schauf was the natural choice to emcee. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheekbone

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheekbone was in the 15th century

Rhymes for cheekbone

See All Rhymes for cheekbone

Browse Nearby Words

cheek
cheekbone
cheek by jowl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheekbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheekbone. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cheekbone

noun
cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
: the bone or the bony ridge below the eye

Medical Definition

cheekbone

noun
cheek·​bone ˈchēk-ˈbōn, -ˌbōn How to pronounce cheekbone (audio)
: the prominence below the eye that is formed by the zygomatic bone
also : zygomatic bone

More from Merriam-Webster on cheekbone

Nglish: Translation of cheekbone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cheekbone

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