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cheerleader

/ˌtʃɪərˈlidər/
/ˈtʃɪəlidə/
IPA guide

Other forms: cheerleaders

A cheerleader is a member of a team that performs synchronized cheers and dance routines, usually from the sidelines of a game. The best cheerleaders are extremely strong and flexible, with a great sense of rhythm.

The main job of a cheerleader is to rally a sports team to victory, although many cheerleaders also perform complex acrobatic routines. The traditional uniform that a cheerleader wears includes a short skirt or shorts. In the late 19th century, cheerleaders were simply college students in the stands who called out school cheers in unison. By the 1890s, official cheerleading squads were formed, originally including only men — no women or girls were cheerleaders until 1923.

Definitions of cheerleader
  1. noun
    someone who leads the cheers by spectators at a sporting event
    see moresee less
    type of:
    leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
  2. noun
    an enthusiastic and vocal supporter
    “he has become a cheerleader for therapeutic cloning”
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    type of:
    admirer, booster, champion, friend, protagonist, supporter
    a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
Pronunciation
US
/ˌtʃɪərˈlidər/
UK
/ˈtʃɪəlidə/
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