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.
Past performers to headline the team’s Thanksgiving game halftime show include the late Dolly Parton, who memorably came out on the stadium field in a Cowboys cheerleaders outfit in 2023. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2026 Here's another part of the show where fake Cowboys cheerleaders are dancing onstage. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The Dallas cheerleaders’ bargaining unit has already been recognized by the Dallas Cowboys, according to a brief joint press release issued Friday by the team and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 From there, Duff McKagan, Mike McCready, and Matt Cameron became quick allies and cheerleaders. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 23 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 27 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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