First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1cheer
noun \ˈchir\
: a shout of praise or encouragement
: a happy feeling or attitude
: a special song or chant that is performed to encourage a team during a game in sports like American football and basketball
Full Definition of CHEER
1
a obsolete : face b archaic : facial expression
2
: state of mind or heart : spirit <be of good cheer — Matthew 9:2(Authorized Version)>
4
: hospitable entertainment : welcome
5
: food and drink for a feast : fare
6
: something that gladdens <words of cheer>
7
: a shout of applause or encouragement
See cheer defined for English-language learners
See cheer defined for kids
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Origin of CHEER
Middle English chere face, cheer, from Anglo-French, face, from Medieval Latin cara, probably from Greek kara head, face — more at cerebral
Related to CHEER
- Synonyms
- mirth, cheerfulness, cheeriness, festivity, gaiety (also gayety), gayness, glee, gleefulness, hilarity, jocundity, joviality, merriment, merriness, mirthfulness
Rhymes with CHEER
2cheer
verb
: to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm
: to express enthusiastic approval of or support for (something)
: to cause (someone) to feel happier or more hopeful
Full Definition of CHEER
transitive verb
1
a : to instill with hope or courage : comfort —usually used with up b : to make glad or happy —usually used with up
2
: to urge on or encourage especially by shouts <cheered the team on>
3
: to applaud with shouts
intransitive verb
1
obsolete : to be mentally or emotionally disposed
3
: to utter a shout of applause or triumph
— cheer·er noun
See cheer defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHEER
14th century
CHEER Defined for Kids
1cheer
noun \ˈchir\
Definition of CHEER for Kids
1
: a happy feeling : good spirits <full of cheer>
2
: something that gladdens <words of cheer>
3
: a shout of praise or encouragement <The crowd let out a cheer.>
2cheer
verb
cheeredcheer·ing
Definition of CHEER for Kids
1
: to give hope to or make happier : comfort <Signs of spring cheered her.>
2
: to grow or be cheerful —usually used with up <“… I don't WANT to cheer up. It's nicer to be miserable!” — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables>
3
: to urge on especially with shouts or cheers <They cheered the team to victory.>
4
: to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm <We cheered when he crossed the finish line.>
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