leading edge
Americannoun
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Aeronautics. the edge of an airfoil or propeller blade facing the direction of motion.
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something that is or represents the most advanced or innovative aspect of a field, activity, profession, etc.; forefront; vanguard.
the leading edge of technology.
noun
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the forward edge of a propeller blade, aerofoil, or wing Compare trailing edge
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electrical engineering the part of a pulse signal that has an increasing amplitude
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the leading position in any field
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( as modifier )
leading-edge technology
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of leading edge
First recorded in 1875–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Alberto Carvalho introduced “Ed” the AI chatbot amid fanfare in March 2024, touting a revolutionary tool that would put the district at the leading edge of school technology.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
The VCR was also the leading edge of a cluster of inexpensive consumer electronics in the 1980s that transformed domestic life: the Walkman, answering machines, videogames, video cameras and PCs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
"It had been assumed that faults follow the leading edge of the subducting slab, but this example deviates from that," Materna said.
From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026
Defence Secretary John Healey said the overhaul will put Britain at the "leading edge of military innovation".
From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025
Being on the leading edge of integration was not for the faint of heart.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
