ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cheer

n. · v.
US //ˈtʃɪɹ// UK //tʃˈiə// cheer
  1. 1 a shout of support (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a loud shout of joy or support, often at a sports event.

    a vocal expression of approval, joy, or encouragement, typically delivered in a group setting.

    Example

    A loud cheer went up from the crowd when the striker scored the winning goal.

    Example

    The stadium erupted in a deafening cheer as the underdog team finally broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of the match.
  2. 2 happiness or good mood (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of happiness or a positive mood.

    a state of mind characterised by happiness, optimism, or high spirits.

    Example

    The bright decorations brought a bit of holiday cheer to the office.

    Example

    Despite the cold weather, the festive market was filled with warmth and Christmas cheer as families gathered around the stalls.
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  1. 3 to shout support (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    to shout loudly to show you support a person or a team.

    to express approval or encouragement through vocal shouts or applause.

    Example

    We stood by the side of the road to cheer for the marathon runners.

    Example

    The fans continued to cheer their team on even after it became clear that a comeback was statistically impossible.
  2. 4 to make someone happier (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make someone feel happier or more hopeful, especially when they are sad.

    to gladden or comfort someone; frequently used as a phrasal verb with 'up'.

    Example

    I bought some flowers to cheer her up after she had a difficult day at work.

    Example

    The news of the recovery served to cheer the entire family, who had been waiting anxiously for an update from the hospital.

    Usage

    Often used as the phrasal verb 'cheer up'.
  3. 5 festive food and drink (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Cooking

    good food and drink served during a celebration.

    provisions, especially food and drink, prepared for a festive or social occasion.

    Example

    The table was loaded with traditional holiday cheer for all the guests.

    Example

    The host spared no expense, providing an abundance of festive cheer that kept the conversation flowing well into the night.
Etymology 1

From Middle English chere, from Anglo-Norman chere, from Old French chiere (“head, face; appearance; reception, hospitality; meal, dinner, food”) (Modern French chère), from Late Latin cara (“head”).

Etymology 2

Clipping of cheerleading.

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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