cheerleader

IPA/ˈtʃɪəliːdə(r)/
KK[tʃˈɪrlˌidɚ]IPA/ˈtʃɪrliːdər/

cheerleader — noun

  • cheerleadersingular
  • cheerleadersplural

1. someone in a uniformed group who stands in front of a sports audience and leads

1.nounB1
Definition

someone in a uniformed group who stands in front of a sports audience and leads them in shouting encouragement for their team, using planned chants, dance steps, and bright objects such as pom-poms.

Example

Before the game, cheerleaders ran onto the field and led a loud chant for their team.

countable noun used with definite article

Aiko became a cheerleader for the local basketball team and learned all the routines by heart.

become + cheerleader + for + team

Common collocations
  • cheerleader squad
  • cheerleader uniform
  • cheerleader routine
  • high school cheerleader
  • former cheerleader
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

usually singular or plural

Usage Note

In American English this word is very common at school and college level. In British English the concept is less widespread, though the word is understood through film and television.

Common Mistakes

The cheerleader squad practiced until late.
The cheerleading squad practiced until late.
The squad itself is a 'cheerleading squad' or 'cheer squad'; the people in it are 'cheerleaders'.

2. a person who gives strong and vocal support to a particular idea, project, perso

2.nounB2
Definition

a person who gives strong and vocal support to a particular idea, project, person, or cause — for example, publicly promoting a new policy or speaking up in favour of a friend's plan.

Example

The senator has been a tireless cheerleader for renewable energy policies in every public speech.

cheerleader + for + [abstract policy]

Beatriz is the company's biggest cheerleader for the new recycling programme and encourages everyone to join.

biggest cheerleader + for + [initiative]

Common collocations
  • biggest cheerleader
  • tireless cheerleader
  • enthusiastic cheerleader
  • cheerleader for change
  • serve as a cheerleader
Synonyms
  • supporter

    more general and neutral; does not suggest the same level of public enthusiasm

  • advocate

    more formal; often used for professional or political backing

  • champion

    stronger active sense; someone who fights for a cause

  • promoter

    focuses on advertising or selling an idea rather than personal belief

Antonyms
  • critic

    someone who points out problems instead of offering support

  • opponent

    someone who actively works against the idea or person

Grammar Patterns

cheerleader + for + [idea/person/cause]

Usage Note

This figurative sense takes a 'for' complement ('a cheerleader for + idea'). It is frequently paired with 'biggest' ('somebody's biggest cheerleader') to mean the most enthusiastic supporter. The subject is usually a person or organisation.

Common Mistakes

He is a cheerleader of the new law.
He is a cheerleader for the new law.
Use 'for', not 'of', to introduce what the person supports.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four words describe someone who backs an idea or person, but they differ in strength and formality. 'Supporter' is the broadest and most neutral term — anyone who agrees with or votes for something is a supporter. 'Advocate' is more formal and implies active, reasoned argument rather than just agreement; a lawyer or a campaign spokesperson is an advocate. 'Champion' is stronger still — it suggests someone who fights enthusiastically for a cause even when it is unpopular, like a champion of human rights. 'Promoter' focuses on the act of spreading an idea widely, often for commercial or public-relations purposes; a promoter of a new diet plan is trying to sell it, not necessarily to live by it. A cheerleader in the figurative sense is closer to 'champion' or 'enthusiastic advocate' — the word suggests vocal, visible, and emotional support rather than quiet agreement. For example: 'She was a cheerleader for the project long before it became popular' suggests she spoke up publicly in its favour, whereas 'She was a supporter of the project' could simply mean she voted for it.

supporter ↗advocate ↗champion ↗promoter ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • somebody's biggest cheerleader
  • act as a cheerleader
  • serve as a cheerleader

Prepositions

Etymology

Old FrenchOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'cheerleader' is a compound of 'cheer' and 'leader'. 'Cheer' comes from Old French 'chiere', meaning face or expression, which later took on the sense of a shout of encouragement. 'Leader' comes from Old English 'lædan', meaning to guide or show the way. The term was first used in the late 19th century at American universities, where organised cheering at college football games became a tradition. The first official cheerleader is often credited to the University of Minnesota in 1898, and the activity quickly spread to high schools and colleges across the United States.