cheerleader

noun

cheer·​lead·​er ˈchir-ˌlē-dər How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
: one that calls for and directs organized cheering (as at a football game)
cheerlead verb, transitive + intransitive
cheerleading 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ochoa then told the cheerleader that their family had just moved to the area, where Mark is enrolled in a school for deaf children. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 And those yells are led by Yell Leaders—not cheerleaders. Kristen Tribe, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2025 All of this was transpiring while the Massillon marching band and cheerleaders were now on the field for the ceremonial post-game playing of the school’s alma mater. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025 In 2024, the model and entrepreneur celebrated her two-year milestone with a heartfelt Instagram video featuring her biggest cheerleaders–her two children, son King and daughter Dream. Essence, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cheerleader

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheerleader was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheerleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerleader. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cheerleader

noun
cheer·​lead·​er ˈchi(ə)r-ˌlēd-ər How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
: a person who leads organized cheering (as at a football or basketball game)
cheerlead verb
cheerleading noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cheerleader

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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