cheryl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (as a common noun), Very Rare (as a proper noun in linguistic data)Informal
Quick answer
What does “cheryl” mean?
A feminine given name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A feminine given name.
Used primarily as a personal name. May occasionally be used metonymically to refer to a stereotypical person with that name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage as a name. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The name is of 20th-century origin in both cultures.
Connotations
The name peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century. It may carry period-specific connotations (e.g., associated with women born 1940s-1960s).
Frequency
The name is now far less common for newborns in both regions than it was historically.
Grammar
How to Use “cheryl” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (as subject/object of a sentence)['s] (possessive form)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheryl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as an adjective)
- A Cheryl-esque sense of style (extremely rare, non-standard)
American English
- (Not used as an adjective)
- That's so Cheryl of you (informal, non-standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only used if referring to a specific person named Cheryl within the business context (e.g., 'Cheryl in accounting').
Academic
Virtually non-existent unless part of a case study, example, or reference to a specific academic named Cheryl.
Everyday
Exclusively used in social contexts to refer to a specific person.
Technical
Not used in technical vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheryl”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheryl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheryl”
- Misspelling: 'Sheryl', 'Cheril'.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable to rhyme with 'chair' (/tʃɛr/ instead of /ʃɛr/).
- Attempting to use it as a common noun with a descriptive meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an English given name, which is a type of proper noun. It is not a common noun with a dictionary definition.
It is pronounced /ˈʃɛrəl/ (SHERR-uhl), with the 'Ch' making a 'sh' sound, not a 'ch' sound.
No, not in standard English. It is exclusively a name for a person. Informal, non-standard uses (e.g., 'That's so Cheryl') are highly contextual and not part of formal language.
It is a 20th-century coinage, likely originating from the French name 'Chérie' (meaning 'darling') or a blend of names like 'Cherry' and 'Beryl'. Its etymology is not definitively established.
A feminine given name.
Cheryl is usually informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No established idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHARE' with an 'L' – Cheryl is happy to share.
Conceptual Metaphor
(Not applicable for a proper noun. It is not typically conceptualized metaphorically.)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Cheryl' primarily classified as?