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

Example Sentences

I’m close to my dad, and my dad is, I would also say a vulnerability cheerleader, and a very refreshingly emotional Englishman.

From Los Angeles Times

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

“Guess who says she’s trying out for cheerleader next year?”

From Literature

We’re each other’s cheerleaders but can also get our hands dirty.

From Los Angeles Times

A pole vaulter and cheerleader at the University of North Texas, Delka was introduced to skeleton by Johnny Quinn, a fellow North Texas alum who competed in the bobsled.

From Los Angeles Times