English Reference
noun

cheater

n.
US /ˈtʃitɝ/ UK /tʃˈiːtɐ/ cheater

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    someone who breaks the rules to win a game or pass a test.

    a person who violates rules or conventions to gain an unfair advantage in a competitive or academic setting.

    Simple

    The teacher caught the cheater using a hidden phone during the final exam.

    In context

    The casino security team identified the cheater through surveillance footage, noting how he manipulated the cards during the high-stakes poker game.

    swindlerfraudstertrickster
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    someone who is not faithful to their husband, wife, or partner.

    a person who is unfaithful to a romantic partner by engaging in a secret relationship with someone else.

    Simple

    She left him after she found out he was a serial cheater.

    In context

    The protagonist in the novel is portrayed as a remorseful cheater who struggles to rebuild trust with his spouse after his affair is revealed.

    adultererphilanderer
    faithful partner
  3. 03 C1 Advanced American EnglishInformal

    a casual name for simple glasses that help you read small text.

    an informal term for non-prescription magnifying glasses used for reading.

    Simple

    I forgot my cheaters at home, so I can't read the menu.

    In context

    He squinted at the fine print for a moment before reaching into his pocket for his cheaters.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'cheaters'.


Etymology 1

From cheat + -er. The sense referring to welding hood lenses was inspired by cheaters (plural) as a pair of reading glasses.

Etymology 2

From Middle English chetour, a variant of eschetour, from Old French eschetour, escheteur, equivalent to escheat + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated