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
3
: state of mind or heart : spirit
… be of good cheer …—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
6
: 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
4
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
2
: 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
Cite this Entry
“Cheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheer. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share