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

In addition, nearly 30 TCU cheerleaders will also take part in the production in a storyline surrounding Michelle Randolph’s character Ainsley Norris. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

The result was 107 toys delivered to young patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn by cheerleaders and coaching staff. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

And Cruise often served as a cheerleader for the rest of the cast. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026

Griffin has been one of the region’s biggest cheerleaders since moving Citadel’s headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

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