cheerleader

noun

cheer·​lead·​er ˈchir-ˌlē-dər How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
Synonyms of cheerleadernext
: one that calls for and directs organized cheering (as at a football game)
cheerlead
ˈchir-ˌlēd How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
verb, transitive + intransitive
cheerleading
ˈchir-ˌlē-diŋ How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
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.
In less than a minute, the comedian, actress and native Angeleno will strut onto the field at SoFi Stadium to perform with the Rams cheerleaders. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 In addition, military students and veterans have a role in countless athletic events, from running the color guard to helping the cheerleaders fire up the crowd. — Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 But in fact, there was no bigger cheerleader for STAT and its staff. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026 The band, pom squad and cheerleaders took the field for their performances. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 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

cheerlead
cheerleader
cheerless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheerleader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheerleader. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ˌlēd How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
verb
cheerleading
-ˌlē-diŋ How to pronounce cheerleader (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cheerleader

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