cheerleaders

word · lemma: cheerleader

/ˈtʃɪɹˌɫidɝz/
CHEER-lee-durz
/tʃˈiəliːdəz/
CHEE-uh-lee-duhz

Definition

Cheerleaders are people, usually as part of a team, who lead cheers and perform dances or stunts to encourage and entertain audiences at sports events.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used to describe teams in American sports. Can refer to males or females, though in many countries it's often associated with women. Common phrases: 'high school cheerleaders', 'cheerleading squad'. Increasingly used beyond sports to mean enthusiastic supporters.

Example Sentences

The football team and the cheerleaders traveled together on the bus.

basic

You could hear the cheerleaders from across the stadium.

natural

During halftime, the cheerleaders put on an incredible show.

natural

My sister wants to join the cheerleaders at her school.

basic

The cheerleaders performed at the basketball game.

basic

They aren’t just cheerleaders—they practice tumbling and dance for hours every week.

natural