cheek pouch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized (zoology, biology), occasionally informal
Quick answer
What does “cheek pouch” mean?
A pouch inside the cheek of some animals (especially rodents and monkeys) used for temporarily storing food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pouch inside the cheek of some animals (especially rodents and monkeys) used for temporarily storing food.
1) In informal contexts, can refer to a visible bulge in a human cheek when holding food or objects in the mouth. 2) In fashion/slang, sometimes used humorously to describe a small bag or pocket.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; frequency slightly higher in UK due to stronger natural history broadcasting tradition.
Connotations
Neutral/scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Low in general discourse, moderate in nature documentaries/biological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “cheek pouch” in a Sentence
The [ANIMAL] has/uses a cheek pouch.Food is stored in the cheek pouch.The cheek pouch of the [ANIMAL] is distended.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheek pouch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hamster will cheek-pouch the seeds for later.
American English
- The squirrel cheek-pouched several acorns.
adverb
British English
- [rare]
American English
- [rare]
adjective
British English
- It's a cheek-pouch species.
American English
- He has a cheek-pouch-like bulge in his cheek.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except possibly in pet trade or veterinary supply contexts.
Academic
Common in zoology, biology, veterinary science texts.
Everyday
Occasional, mainly among pet owners (hamsters, gerbils) or in nature documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in mammalogy, primatology, animal physiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheek pouch”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheek pouch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheek pouch”
- Confusing with 'cheek pocket' (not standard).
- Using for human anatomy (only metaphorical).
- Misspelling as 'cheek pouche'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, humans do not have anatomical cheek pouches. The term is only used metaphorically when someone holds a lot of food in their mouth.
Hamsters, chipmunks, some species of monkeys (like baboons and macaques), and certain squirrels.
No. In human anatomy, the area is simply the buccal cavity or vestibule. 'Cheek pouch' is exclusively a zoological term.
Yes, in pets like hamsters, cheek pouches can become impacted or infected if sharp food or bedding material causes an injury inside the pouch.
A pouch inside the cheek of some animals (especially rodents and monkeys) used for temporarily storing food.
Cheek pouch: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːk ˌpaʊtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːk ˌpaʊtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly; occasionally 'packing his cheeks like a hamster' as informal simile]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hamster with cheeks so full they look like two little shopping **pouches** on its face.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHEEK POUCH IS A SHOPPING BAG (for food).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a cheek pouch?