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 In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Jedidiah said, his dad even served as chaplain for the Chiefs cheerleaders. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Jimmy Olsen, Superman franchise (1938–present) Sidekick to: Clark Kent/Superman On the big screen, Daily Planet photographer and cub reporter Jimmy Olsen is relegated to playing Clark's (and Superman's) gee-whiz cheerleader. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Positive reinforcement, kindness to ourselves, and being our own cheerleader is really key. Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024 Tensions over who became top cheerleader and social media beef within an Indianapolis high school cheer squad culminated two years ago with the stabbing of one of the team's members after a basketball game, according to new details filed in court records. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Feb. 2024 These are the 16 best movies and TV shows that put the spotlight on cheerleaders. EW.com, 26 Feb. 2024 Samantha, 25, a pro football cheerleader from Miami. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Greenberg was Pollock’s chief cheerleader and credits Sobel for the innovation often affixed to Pollock. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 The quarterback had one shaky outburst but doesn't get in trouble off the field, is greatly respected by almost everyone who comes in contact with him, and is the biggest cheerleader on the team. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cheerleader.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheerleader was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near cheerleader

Cite this Entry

“Cheerleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerleader. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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