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."
separable
cheer on
A2 informal separable transitive
To encourage and support someone actively, especially during a competition or challenge.
In plain English
To shout and clap for someone to help them feel supported and do better.
What does "cheer on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To offer cheers (vocal support) to keep someone going 'on' — to propel them forward.
Actually means
To shout and clap for someone to help them feel supported and do better.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cheer on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
team runner player athlete crowd supporter
How to conjugate "cheer on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cheer on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cheer on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.