champion

¹

[cham-pee-uhn]

noun

1. a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place.

   the heavyweight boxing champion.

   Synonyms: victor, winner
   Antonyms: loser

2. anything that takes first place in competition.

   the champion of a cattle show.

3. an animal that has won a certain number of points in officially recognized shows.

   This dog is a champion.

4. a person who fights for or defends any person or cause.

   a champion of the oppressed.

   Synonyms: protector, defender

5. a fighter or warrior.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as champion of; defend; support.

   to champion a cause.

   Synonyms: advocate, maintain

2. Obsolete.,  to defy.

adjective

1. first among all contestants or competitors.

2. Informal.,  first-rate.

Champion

²

[cham-pee-uhn]

noun

1. Gower 1921–80, U.S. choreographer.

champion

/ ˈtʃæmpɪən /

noun

1. 1. a person who has defeated all others in a competition

      a chess champion

   2. ( as modifier )

      a champion team

2. 1. a plant or animal that wins first place in a show, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a champion marrow

3. a person who defends a person or cause

   champion of the underprivileged

4. (formerly) a warrior or knight who did battle for another, esp a king or queen, to defend their rights or honour

adjective

1. dialect,  first rate; excellent

adverb

1. dialect,  very well; excellently

verb

1. to support; defend

   we champion the cause of liberty

Other Word Forms

• championless adjective
• championlike adjective
• nonchampion noun
• prechampioned adjective
• unchampioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of champion¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin campiōn-, stem of campiō “combatant in an arena duel,” from West Germanic kampiōn- (unrecorded); equivalent to Latin camp(us) “field, battlefield” + -iō, noun suffix; compare Old English cempa “warrior”

Word History and Origins

Origin of champion¹

C13: from Old French, from Late Latin campiō, from Latin campus field, battlefield

Example Sentences

Remarkably, the Finn, the 1982 world champion, performed that lap on a rear tyre that was developing a slow puncture.

From BBC

Sabalenka, the world number one and defending champion in New York, has suffered defeat in the Australian and French Open finals this year.

From BBC

She portrayed herself as a loud and proud champion of ordinary people looking at the worst Westminster behaviour in disgust.

From BBC

There were debutants on both sides, a few tweaks here and there, but it did little to change the narrative of another victory for the reigning champions.

From BBC

Last season, the Rams advanced to the NFC divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• challenger 
• champ 
• defender 
• hero 
• medalist 
• number one 
• winner