cheerleader

noun

cheer·​lead·​er ˈchir-ˌlē-dər 

: one that calls for and directs organized cheering (as at a football game)

cheerlead

ˈchir-ˌlēd 

verb, transitive + intransitive

cheerleading

ˈchir-ˌlē-diŋ 

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

Marching bands from schools all over the country will also perform, as will several different performance groups, dancers, and cheerleaders. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024

The film follows two unpopular students who start a fight club as a way to sleep with cheerleaders before their graduation. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024

Swelling trumpets accompany a cheerleader’s final splint stunt as a larger-than-life American flag unfurls and the choir sails off on a cruise line, capping off the gargantuan effort to bring the unexpected Saturday Night Live-like treat to a close. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2024

Bill Belichick’s cheerleader girlfriend Jordon Hudson blitzes Boston radio station with challenge: ‘Kiss my…. —Glenn Reeves, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cheerleader

noun

cheer·​lead·​er ˈchi(ə)r-ˌlēd-ər 

: a person who leads organized cheering (as at a football or basketball game)

cheerlead

-ˌlēd 

verb

cheerleading

-ˌlē-diŋ 

noun