Cheer means to shout encouragement and support, usually for someone competing or performing. When you cheer for your team during a soccer game, you're calling out words of support, clapping loudly, and showing excitement to help motivate them. Students might cheer when their friend wins a spelling bee, or a crowd might cheer when their favorite band takes the stage.

The word also describes a feeling of happiness and good spirits. When someone is full of cheer, they feel joyful and optimistic. During the holidays, people talk about spreading cheer by being kind and generous. If a friend arrives to cheer you up when you're feeling down, they're trying to lift your mood and make you smile again.

Cheerful people have an upbeat, positive outlook. A cheerful room might be bright and welcoming. And while cheerleaders are famous for organized cheering routines, anyone can cheer. You don't need pompoms or a uniform to let out a loud “Go team!” or “You've got this!” when someone you care about needs support. That simple act of cheering can make a real difference in how confident and motivated they feel.