cheerleaders
|cheer-lead-ers|
🇺🇸
/ˈtʃɪrˌliːdər/
🇬🇧
/ˈtʃɪəˌliːdə/
(cheerleader)
enthusiastic supporter
Etymology
'cheerleader' is a compound formed from 'cheer' + 'leader' in modern English, coined in the late 19th to early 20th century in the United States to describe leaders of organized cheering squads.
'cheer' comes from Old French 'chiere' (through Middle English 'chere') meaning 'face, expression' and later 'shout of encouragement'; 'leader' comes from Old English 'lǣdere' (from the verb 'lǣdan', to lead). These elements were combined into the modern compound 'cheerleader' as the activity of organized cheering developed in U.S. schools and colleges.
Initially it referred specifically to a person who led vocal encouragements at sporting events; over time it broadened to mean members of organized teams performing dances/stunts and, figuratively, enthusiastic supporters or promoters.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'cheerleader'.
The cheerleaders practiced their routine before the game.
Synonyms
Noun 2
people who perform organized cheers, dances, and acrobatic routines to lead and encourage a crowd at sports events or rallies.
The cheerleaders led the crowd in a rousing chant during halftime.
Synonyms
Noun 3
enthusiastic supporters or promoters of a person, idea, or policy (used figuratively).
Political cheerleaders for the plan dismissed the critics' concerns.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 12:24