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

Fans can also shop for Dolphins gear at the team store, grab a bite at food trucks on-site, and keep an eye out for Miami Dolphins cheerleaders and alumni for photos and autographs. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

In the 2006 film, Panettiere and Solange starred as two rival high school cheerleaders who end up on the same cheer squad after Panettiere’s Britney moves to the same school as Solange’s Camille. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Panettiere featured as the virtually invincible high school cheerleader Claire Bennet on the series across four seasons. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Fuller wrote for the first season of Heroes, playing an instrumental role in shaping one of the actress’ most iconic roles — the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet. — Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 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