cheerleader

word

/ˈtʃɪɹˌɫidɝ/
CHEER-lee-dur
/tʃˈiəliːdɐ/
CHEE-uh-lee-duh

Definition

A cheerleader is a person who performs chants, dances, and routines to support a sports team and excite the crowd. It can also mean someone who strongly supports or promotes a person, idea, or project.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly refers to a sports cheerleader in schools or professional teams. In figurative use, 'be a cheerleader for' means to strongly encourage or publicly support something; depending on context, it can sound positive or slightly critical. Often associated with American sports culture.

Example Sentences

Her sister is a cheerleader at the local high school.

basic

The cheerleader waved her pom-poms before the game.

basic

He was the biggest cheerleader for the school team.

basic

You don't have to be my cheerleader all the time—just be honest with me.

natural

The CEO has become a public cheerleader for remote work.

natural

She's been our biggest cheerleader since we started the business.

natural