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.
The bubbly pink-loving teen quickly finds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear flannel. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 Cavinder attended Cowboys games and dressed as a Cowboys cheerleader with her twin, Hanna, for Halloween. — Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026 The trip also underscores the president’s esteem for Burgum, who has become a key face of and cheerleader for the president’s expansive renovation projects around Washington. — Jack Dura, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The trip also underscores the president's esteem for Burgum, who has become a key face of and cheerleader for the president's expansive renovation projects around Washington. — CBS News, 1 July 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

Rhymes for cheerleader

See All Rhymes for cheerleader

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 8 Jul. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cheerleader

Nglish: Translation of cheerleader for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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