noun
cupid
KYOO-pid/ˈkjuːpɪd/
A childlike winged figure symbolizing romantic love.
The cupid holds a bow and heart-tipped arrow beneath small wings.
Etymology
Cupido was desire personified as the Roman god of passionate love. Calling a winged child figure a cupid carries that personification into a visual symbol of romantic love.
In context
It was composed of eight nymphs in two files, with the god Cupid leading one and Interest the other, the former furnished with wings, bow, quiver and arrows
More examples
- Two cupids decorate the frame.
- A carved cupid stood above the doorway.
- The painting includes a playful cupid.
Forms
cupid · cupids
Similar words
- cherub
- Cherub belongs to a different religious tradition and need not symbolize romance.
- putto
- Putto names a childlike artistic figure without necessarily a love symbolism.