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

The trademark application appears to be a tongue-in-cheek call-out about accusations that the former cheerleader is only in the relationship for money. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The Los Angeles Rams were the first organization to have male cheerleaders in 2018. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025

New this year: Look for the Spirit Award voting for cheerleaders/dance team members and their squads. —Melanie Laughman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Aug. 2025

Before this break, however, Boney spent half a decade operating as both his master’s cheerleader and his hatchet-man against rivals (including Indian yogis). —Stewart Home august 22, Literary Hub, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheerleader

• proofreader
• ringleader
• bleeder
• breeder
• feeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder

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