supporter

American  

[suh-pawr-ter, -pohr-] / səˈpɔr tər, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. a person or thing that supports.

2. an adherent, follower, backer, or advocate.

3. a device, usually of elastic cotton webbing, for supporting some part of the body, especially a jockstrap.

4. a garter, especially one attached to a garter belt or girdle.

5. Heraldry. either of two human or animal figures flanking and supporting an escutcheon in an achievement of arms.

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supporter British  

/ səˈpɔːtə /

noun

1. a person who or thing that acts as a support

2. a person who backs a sports team, politician, etc

3. a garment or device worn to ease the strain on or restrict the movement of a bodily structure or part

4. heraldry a figure or beast in a coat of arms depicted as holding up the shield

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Other Word Forms

• nonsupporter noun

Etymology

Origin of supporter

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; support + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The US Army is investigating an incident in which two Apache attack helicopters flew near the Tennessee home of musician Kid Rock, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Everton fans say the scenario is "damaging supporter accessibility, matchday experience, and long-term engagement".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

That's what convinced Brittany - a life-long supporter of the conservative Liberal-National Coalition until now - to switch her vote.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Estrosi, who is a vocal supporter of Israel and whose wife is Jewish, denounced the act as despicable and said he wouldn’t be intimidated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Several weeks after that, a pro-suffrage minority report, signed by Woodhull’s main supporter, Butler, and Representative William Loughridge, from Iowa, supported the petition.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• ally
• defender
• follower
• patron
• proponent
• support