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

Even cheerleader pom poms made an interesting turn as a purse. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

So, to honor my 39 years as a California journalist – and as a reminder of the Golden State’s lofty economic stature – let my trusty spreadsheet play cheerleader for the day. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025

Jill was a cheerleader, while Dave was a star baseball player. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders are shown in a photo gallery performing in front of fans at the Caesars Superdome during the 2025 NFL season. —FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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