1
a
: a shout of applause or encouragement
The players were greeted with loud cheers.
b
US
: the activity of organized cheerleading
With autumn approaching, evenings at Stringham Pitcher Park are again alive with the sounds of football and cheer.—
Laura McCusker
Laura McCusker3
: state of mind or heart : spirit
… be of good cheer …—Matthew 9:2 (King James Version)
Matthew 9:2 (King James Version)4
: hospitable entertainment : welcome
5
: food and drink for a feast : fare
… every table was loaded with good cheer.—T. B. Macaulay
T. B. Macaulay6
: something that gladdens
words of cheer
7
a
archaic
: facial expression
b
obsolete
: face
cheered; cheering; cheers
1
: to utter a shout of applause or triumph
What is there to cheer about?
3
US
: to perform as a cheerleader
A gymnast from the age of 3, she switched to cheerleading in middle school. Rink cheered for three years for her middle school and became a cheerleader for Penn.—Nikki Taylor
Nikki Taylor4
obsolete
: to be mentally or emotionally disposed
1
a
: to make glad or happy
—usually used with up
clowns who cheer up children in hospitals
b
: to instill with hope or courage : comfort
—usually used with up
… cheer desponding men with new-born hope.—William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth2
: to urge on or encourage especially by shouts
cheered the team on
3
: to applaud with shouts
The contest winner was cheered as she accepted the trophy.
cheerer
noun
Examples of cheer in a Sentence
Noun
The audience let out a cheer.
Loud cheers were coming from the bleachers.
The star was greeted with cheers.
Let's spread a little holiday cheer.
The cheerleaders did a cheer for the home team.
Verb
The crowd cheered as he crossed the finish line.
We were cheering for you all the way!
The crowd cheered him as he crossed the finish line.
Their fans cheered them to victory.
Supporters cheered the court's decision.
Investors were cheered by good economic news.
Recent Examples on the Web
Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
At one point, divers from the neighboring pool climbed onto platforms, showing off flips and dives for the crowd, sending waves of cheers across the patio.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
The excited crowd cheered as Florida Panthers star and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Matthew Tkachuk made his appearance as guest picker.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cheer
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Noun
The team crowded around Johnson and offered hugs with celebratory cheers, shaking him around as Johnson got a bright smile on his face.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
At one point, divers from the neighboring pool climbed onto platforms, showing off flips and dives for the crowd, sending waves of cheers across the patio.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
All the Americans present cheered enthusiastically for Cantlay's putt, including LaCava, who celebrated on the green.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
The excited crowd cheered as Florida Panthers star and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Matthew Tkachuk made his appearance as guest picker.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cheer
Cite this Entry
“Cheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheer. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cheer
2 of 2 verb1
: to give hope to or make happier : comfort
cheer up a sick person
2
: to urge on especially with shouts or cheers
cheer the team to victory
3
: to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm
the audience cheered loudly
4
: to grow or be cheerful : rejoice
—usually used with up
he cheered up at the news
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