champion

¹ American  

[cham-pee-uhn] / ˈtʃæm pi ən /

noun

1. a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place.

   the heavyweight boxing champion.

   Synonyms:

   victor, winner

   Antonyms:

   loser

2. anything that takes first place in competition.

   the champion of a cattle show.

3. an animal that has won a certain number of points in officially recognized shows.

   This dog is a champion.

4. a person who fights for or defends any person or cause.

   a champion of the oppressed.

   Synonyms:

   protector, defender

5. a fighter or warrior.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to act as champion of; defend; support.

   to champion a cause.

   Synonyms:

   advocate, maintain

2. Obsolete. to defy.

adjective

1. first among all contestants or competitors.

2. Informal. first-rate.

Champion ² American  

[cham-pee-uhn] / ˈtʃæm pi ən /

noun

1. Gower 1921–80, U.S. choreographer.

---

champion British  

/ ˈtʃæmpɪən /

noun

1. 1. a person who has defeated all others in a competition

      a chess champion

   2. ( as modifier )

      a champion team

2. 1. a plant or animal that wins first place in a show, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a champion marrow

3. a person who defends a person or cause

   champion of the underprivileged

4. (formerly) a warrior or knight who did battle for another, esp a king or queen, to defend their rights or honour

---

adjective

1. dialect first rate; excellent

adverb

1. dialect very well; excellently

verb

1. to support; defend

   we champion the cause of liberty

Other Word Forms

• championless adjective
• championlike adjective
• nonchampion noun
• prechampioned adjective
• unchampioned adjective

Etymology

Origin of champion

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin campiōn-, stem of campiō “combatant in an arena duel,” from West Germanic kampiōn- (unrecorded); equivalent to Latin camp(us) “field, battlefield” + -iō, noun suffix; compare Old English cempa “warrior”

Explanation

A champion is a winner, or someone who's really good at something. If you are a champion chess player, you are a superstar! When crowds sing Queen's "We Are the Champions" at football games, they are celebrating the fact that their team won. Champion comes from the Latin word campionem for "gladiator, fighter." Rarr! No need to grab your sword, but a champion is also a person who fights for a cause. If you are the champion of fundraising, you keep pushing to raise money. As a verb, to champion means to protect or fight for something. You champion your little brother by defending him against meanies — no matter what, you are always on his side.

Example Sentences

Defending state high jump champion JJ Harel, who cleared 6 feet, 9 inches to win at Arcadia, was second with a height of 6-10 Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Three-time champion Mark Williams secured a 6-3 lead over 22-year-old Antoni Kowalski, the world number 69 and the first player from Poland to play at the venue.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Defending state high jump champion JJ Harel will compete in his specialty after winning at Arcadia with a mark of 6 feet, 9 inches.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Four-time Formula 1 champion Verstappen, who is due to participate in the 24-hour endurance race in May, sent his condolences on social media.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Basil Stag Hare, camouflage expert and foot fighter, in the lead; Jess Squirrel, champion climber and pathfinder, close behind him.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• challenger
• champ
• defender
• hero
• medalist
• number one
• winner