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

While the cast racked up numerous nominations, two actors ended up being their own best cheerleaders. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

Not everyone in 2026 may be excited with a flight simulator that serves as a cheerleader for America. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Gemma has always been one of her brother’s biggest cheerleaders, and during the first night of his residency, Harry shouted her out for her support. — Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Beyond being cheerleaders, Gutierrez also hopes the event will help fans feel unified, despite being thousands of miles away from home. — Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

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