What does cheekbone mean?
The cheekbone is the prominent bony structure of the face located just below and to the side of each eye. Anatomically, it corresponds to the zygomatic (or malar) bone, which connects with the temporal, frontal, and maxillary bones of the skull to form the outer contour of the mid-face. The word is most frequently used in the plural, and it appears constantly in descriptions of physical appearance: 'high', 'sharp', 'prominent', or 'sculpted' cheekbones have long been treated as markers of beauty and facial definition in art, fashion, and popular culture. Beyond aesthetics, the term also appears in medical and everyday contexts, as cheekbones are among the facial bones most commonly fractured by direct blows. A compound of two plain English words — 'cheek' and 'bone' — it is transparently formed and easy to remember, making it a useful word for describing both anatomy and appearance.
nounThe bony prominence of the face below the eye, formed by the zygomatic bone; the part of the skull that gives the cheek its structure and contour.
- The zygomatic bone or the bony prominence it forms on the side of the face below the eye.
"High cheekbones gave her face a striking, sculpted quality."
"He had sharp cheekbones that cast small shadows when he turned toward the window."
"The boxer's fractured cheekbone ended his season."
The plural is the more common form, particularly in descriptions of facial appearance.
"The portrait emphasized her strong cheekbones."
That coveted 'high cheekbones' compliment is really a nod to your zygomatic bone — the same structure that anchors every smile you've ever smiled.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cheekbone
Cheekbone is a straightforward English compound of 'cheek' and 'bone', formed within English itself rather than borrowed from another language. The element 'cheek' derives from Old English 'cēace' (also spelled 'cēoce'), meaning jaw or cheek, a word of Germanic origin related to Old Norse 'kjauka'. The compound arose naturally as English speakers needed a name for the visible bony prominence of the face, alongside the learned Latinate terms 'zygomatic bone' and 'malar bone' introduced through anatomical science.
How cheekbone is actually used
Most often encountered in the plural ('cheekbones'), especially in descriptions of appearance and beauty. 'High cheekbones' is a common aesthetic descriptor. In medical contexts the underlying bone is more precisely called the 'zygomatic bone' or 'malar bone'.
Easily confused with cheekbone
'Cheek' refers to the whole fleshy side of the face, while 'cheekbone' specifically denotes the hard bony structure beneath the eye.