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

Outside, there will be giveaways, inflatables, DJs and local mascots and cheerleaders performing. — Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

The launch’s campaign stars cheerleaders Allison Khong, Camille Sturdivant, Jenna Waller, and Kylie Dickson. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

Some emailer ripped me for not knowing that the Dolphins went out and hired one of the former Cowboys cheerleader executives. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

In 2020, fans also said goodbye to Naya Rivera, who played cheerleader turned lesbian icon Santana on the series. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 25 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