Definition of "cheer" in English

noun

1. (uncountable) A cheerful attitude; happiness; a good, happy, or positive mood.

2. (now uncountable) That which promotes good spirits or cheerfulness, especially food and entertainment prepared for a festive occasion.

   • a table loaded with good cheer

3. (countable) A cry expressing joy, approval or support, such as "hurrah".

   • Three cheers for the birthday boy!
   • A cheer rose from the crowd.

4. (countable) A chant made in support of a team at a sports event.

5. (obsolete) One's facial expression or countenance.

6. (archaic) One's attitude, mood.

verb

1. (transitive) To gladden; to make cheerful; often with up.

   • We were cheered by the offer of a cup of tea.

2. (transitive) To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To encourage to do something.

4. (ambitransitive) To applaud or encourage with cheers or shouts.

   • The crowd cheered in support of the athletes.
   • The crowd cheered the athletes.

5. (transitive, figurative) To feel or express enthusiasm for (something).

   • The finance sector will cheer this decision.

noun

1. (chiefly Canada, US) Cheerleading, especially when practiced as a competitive sport.

   • Alex participated in cheer all four years of college.
   • I'm going to wear my new cheer shoes at cheer today.
   • 2000, Linda Villarosa. Cheerleading Changes, and Injuries Increase in The New York Times. Last year, more than 75,000 high school participants took part in cheerleading competitions, and the National Federation of State High School Associations says that "competitive cheer" is the fastest growing sport for girls.
   • 2018, Chad Thompson. Iowa Central cheer team is tops at national competition in The Messenger. The Iowa Central Community College cheer team has achieved something no other college in Iowa has before.