cheer on
A2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To shout and clap for someone to help them feel supported and do better.
Literal meaning: To offer cheers (vocal support) to keep someone going 'on' — to propel them forward.
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To shout encouragement and express enthusiastic support for a competitor or team during a race, game, or performance.
"Thousands of fans lined the streets to cheer on the marathon runners."
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To actively encourage and support someone working toward a personal or professional goal.
"Her colleagues cheered her on throughout the difficult project until it was finally complete."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Strongly associated with sports and competitions, but also used metaphorically in professional and personal contexts. Always implies active, enthusiastic support. Both American and British English use this freely.
Commonly used with
team runner player athlete crowd supporter
Forms
Base
cheer on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cheers on
he/she/it
Past simple
cheered on
yesterday
Past participle
cheered on
have + pp
-ing form
cheering on
continuous
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