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Synonyms

leading edge

American  
[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

noun

  1. Aeronautics. the edge of an airfoil or propeller blade facing the direction of motion.

  2. something that is or represents the most advanced or innovative aspect of a field, activity, profession, etc.; forefront; vanguard.

    the leading edge of technology.
leading edge British  
/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

  1. the forward edge of a propeller blade, aerofoil, or wing Compare trailing edge

  2. electrical engineering the part of a pulse signal that has an increasing amplitude

    1. the leading position in any field

    2. ( as modifier )

      leading-edge technology
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word 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.

Leading edge second ball gets them oohing and aahing in the stands.

From The Guardian • Dec. 26, 2017

Leading edge tech firms think existing payment systems could be replaced entirely with new technology that is more secure, cheaper and open to new entrants.

From Forbes • Feb. 27, 2014

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.