# cheerleading

/ˈtʃɪɹˌɫidɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheerleading
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a sport or activity where people dance, shout, and jump to support a team. It is very common at American football and basketball games.

For teachers: an activity involving choreographed dance, gymnastics, and chanting to encourage a sports team or provide entertainment. Often associated with American scholastic and professional sports culture.

## Examples

- She practices cheerleading every day after school.
- The university offers scholarships for cheerleading to students who demonstrate elite athletic and gymnastic skills.
- While once viewed merely as a sideline support activity, modern cheerleading is recognized as a highly competitive sport requiring significant physical strength, coordination, and precision.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe the activity as a whole.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.