cheerleader

noun

cheer·​lead·​er ˈchir-ˌlē-dər How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
: one that calls for and directs organized cheering (as at a football game)
cheerlead verb, transitive + intransitive
cheerleading noun

Examples of cheerleader in a Sentence

a politician who is a cheerleader for the government's new economic plan
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Houston, he was best known for having cheerleaders paint his chest Houston Oilers blue. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025 But woven into many of those anthems was her real-life love, Carl Dean, an asphalt paver and her loyal cheerleader who died Monday at 82. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 She was remembered as a talented cheerleader and soccer player with a bright future ahead of her. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025 His teammates, both with the Avalanche and the Swedish national team, are his biggest cheerleaders. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cheerleader

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheerleader was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheerleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerleader. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

cheerleader

noun
cheer·​lead·​er ˈchi(ə)r-ˌlēd-ər How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
: a person who leads organized cheering (as at a football or basketball game)
cheerlead verb
cheerleading noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cheerleader

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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