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.
That's why the reaction from the WNBA's media cheerleaders was so fascinating. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 On Monday, in the early morning, cheerleaders flanked the entrance to the courtyard, cheering and shaking their pom-poms as their classmates filed in, showing varying degrees of enthusiasm. — Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026 Also pushing for an incentive up around 10-20% is Enemy of the State star and MAGA cheerleader Jon Voight. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Perez is incredibly well-versed in pop music and has historically been an early cheerleader for many notable artists, some of whom have gone on to become superstars. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 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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