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.

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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.

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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

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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”

Example Sentences

They also need defending champions France to slip up at home to England.

From BBC

The four-time world champion is among many drivers who find the increased amount of energy management required for the engines this year is taking away enjoyment and some elements of their skill.

From BBC

In Bahrain, he championed an effort known as Task Force 59, which paired uncrewed boats and other drones with artificial intelligence to expand the Navy’s eyes and ears in the Gulf.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was a sensational display by Valverde, who captained Real on the night and led by example in a crucial game for the 15-time European champions.

From BBC

“She doesn’t lose matches that she shouldn’t lose,” the 2025 Australian Open champion said this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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