cheerleader

American  

[cheer-lee-der] / ˈtʃɪərˌli dər /

noun

1. a person who leads spectators in cheering, usually a member of a team that performs dance, acrobatic, and tumbling routines at sporting events or in competitions with other teams.

2. a person who encourages and openly supports the success of a person or cause.

   Her dad has always been her biggest cheerleader.

   He emerged as a cheerleader for the rights of the incarcerated.

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cheerleader British  

/ ˈtʃɪəˌliːdə /

noun

1. a person who leads a crowd in formal cheers, esp at sports events

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Etymology

Origin of cheerleader

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; cheer + leader

Explanation

A cheerleader is a member of a team that performs synchronized cheers and dance routines, usually from the sidelines of a game. The best cheerleaders are extremely strong and flexible, with a great sense of rhythm. The main job of a cheerleader is to rally a sports team to victory, although many cheerleaders also perform complex acrobatic routines. The traditional uniform that a cheerleader wears includes a short skirt or shorts. In the late 19th century, cheerleaders were simply college students in the stands who called out school cheers in unison. By the 1890s, official cheerleading squads were formed, originally including only men — no women or girls were cheerleaders until 1923.

Example Sentences

Growing up she was a gymnast and a cheerleader.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Near Brown’s fountain, Echo Park artist Hoehn will present “Deadfall,” a massive fallen fig tree embedded with carved cheerleader legs and skirts — imagery drawn from her Texas upbringing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins has taken on double duty as both the financial industry’s top regulator and the most prominent cheerleader for the U.S. public equity markets.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Throughout the turmoil, one person has been a consistent cheerleader: Strategy Chairman Michael Saylor, who co-founded the company in 1989.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

And half of him was wearing a cheerleader uniform.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick