cheekbone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in descriptive, medical, and beauty contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cheekbone” mean?
The bone below the eye that forms the prominent part of the cheek.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bone below the eye that forms the prominent part of the cheek.
The facial structure or prominence formed by this bone, often considered in terms of aesthetics, facial recognition, or physical anthropology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling is consistent. The term 'zygomatic bone' is the technical equivalent in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties. In beauty/fashion contexts, 'high cheekbones' is a common positive descriptor.
Frequency
Similar frequency; slightly more common in UK beauty/fashion media discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cheekbone” in a Sentence
[have/possess] + [adjective] + cheekbones[suffer/sustain] + a + [injury] + to + the + cheekbone[accentuate/contour] + [possessive] + cheekbonesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheekbone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The model's cheekbone structure was remarkable.
- He had a very cheekbone-defining haircut.
American English
- Her cheekbone contour was expertly highlighted.
- It was a cheekbone-enhancing makeup technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like cosmetics or medical devices.
Academic
Common in anatomy, physical anthropology, forensic science, and art history texts.
Everyday
Common in descriptions of appearance, discussions of injuries, or beauty tips.
Technical
Standard term in medical (especially maxillofacial surgery), anatomical, and forensic contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheekbone”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheekbone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheekbone”
- Misspelling as 'cheakbone' or 'cheek bone' (should be one word).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'She cheekboned' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'cheekbone'.
The cheekbone (zygomatic bone) is located below the eye and forms the prominence of the cheek. The jawbone (mandible) is the lower jaw that holds the lower teeth and moves when you talk or chew.
No, 'cheekbone' is solely a noun. There is no standard verb form.
In many cultures, high or prominent cheekbones are associated with definitions of facial symmetry, structure, and health, often linked to classical ideals of beauty. They can create shadows that accentuate other facial features.
The bone below the eye that forms the prominent part of the cheek.
Cheekbone is usually neutral to formal; common in descriptive, medical, and beauty contexts. in register.
Cheekbone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːkbəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːkboʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly; common phrases include) cut to the cheekbone (describing a sharp facial feature)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'cheek' + 'bone'. It's literally the bone in your cheek that you can feel below your eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS PROMINENCE (e.g., 'high cheekbones' metaphorically associated with beauty, strength, or nobility).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a technical synonym for 'cheekbone'?