leading edge
Americannoun
-
Aeronautics. the edge of an airfoil or propeller blade facing the direction of motion.
-
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
-
the forward edge of a propeller blade, aerofoil, or wing Compare trailing edge
-
electrical engineering the part of a pulse signal that has an increasing amplitude
-
-
the leading position in any field
-
( as modifier )
leading-edge technology
-
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.
Unyx 07 sedan—the first of over 20 new models planned this year—though analysts note these vehicles still lag behind the leading edge of Chinese automotive technology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 9, 2026
Observations show that the galaxy's rotating gas disk appears shortened and compressed along its leading edge.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 1, 2026
The courtroom standoff in Oakland, outside San Francisco, features some of the wealthiest people on the planet, representing tech companies at the leading edge of the AI revolution.
From Barron's ● May 12, 2026
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
He glanced up and was alarmed at how close the leading edge of the circle had come.
From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner
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.
