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.
Altman is now the chief public cheerleader of a $300 billion company that’s touting the transformative utility of AI agents. Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 May 2025 There were flames, cheerleaders and a sea of flags and scarves, and the structure of the old ground in South London literally shook as supporters stamped and clapped along to the soundtrack of a historic victory. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The truth is that our culture is often still more comfortable with the notion of a couple that consists of a powerful and successful man and a woman who largely plays the role of silent cheerleader on his arm. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 May 2025 Charisma Carpenter, who portrayed cheerleader Cordelia Chase, has a son, Donovan, in his early twenties. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 20 May 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 3 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!