What does cheer mean?
Cheer functions as both a noun and a verb at the heart of expressions of joy and support. As a noun, it denotes a shout of approval or encouragement — the roar of a crowd, a burst of applause — and, more broadly, a state of hopeful good spirits, as when guests are welcomed with 'good cheer'. As a verb, it covers two closely related actions: raising one's voice in support of a person or team, and lifting another's spirits through kindness or comfort, as in cheering someone up. The word derives from Old French chere, originally meaning 'face' or 'countenance', so that to be 'of good cheer' once literally meant to wear a glad expression. Warm and positive in connotation across registers, it is especially prominent in sports, celebrations, and informal speech. Its derivatives — cheerful, cheery, cheerless, cheerleader, and the toast 'Cheers!' — extend this emotional range into adjectives of temperament and social ritual.
A shout of approval, encouragement, or celebration; also a state of good spirits or hopefulness.
"A great cheer went up when the results were announced."
In the singular, 'cheer' can denote general merriment or good spirits, as in 'a message of cheer'.
To shout words of support or approval, or to bring comfort and hope to someone.
"Thousands lined the streets to cheer the returning athletes."
The plural 'cheers' refers to multiple shouts of approval. As an interjection, it is used in British English as an informal toast and as a casual expression of thanks or farewell.
"The band took the stage to loud cheers from the audience."
Before it ever meant a shout of joy, 'cheer' meant your face — in Middle English you could have a 'good cheer' simply by wearing a happy expression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cheer
Cheer entered English in the late Middle Ages from Old French chere, which meant 'face' or 'expression of the countenance', itself from Late Latin cara, meaning face or head. In Middle English the word still referred to one's facial expression or mood, so phrases like 'good cheer' originally described a pleasant countenance before shifting to mean gladness itself. From there the sense developed naturally into outward displays of joy, giving rise to the modern meanings of shouting approval and encouraging others. It shares its distant origin with words such as 'dear' and 'charity', all tracing back to Latin terms of affection and warmth.
Word family
Usage notes
'Cheer' is common in both everyday and sporting registers. In British English, the plural interjection 'Cheers!' serves as an informal toast and as a casual way of saying 'thank you' or 'goodbye', a usage largely absent in American English. The verb often appears with particles ('cheer up', 'cheer on') and carries a warm, positive connotation throughout its senses.
Don't confuse with
A chore is a routine task or piece of work, while a cheer is a shout of encouragement or joy.