noun
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a leader or pioneer in a particular field
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a person who blazes a trail
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of trailblazer
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How does trailblazer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A trailblazer is a person who's the first to do something, whether it's marking a new path through the woods or discovering a cure for cancer. A literal trailblazer blazes, or marks, trails in the wilderness. She does this by making marks or signs on trees and rocks at regular distances along a trail in order to help other hikers find their way. Figurative trailblazers can also be called pioneers or groundbreakers. These are innovators who make strides in fields like science, medicine, or education.
Vocabulary lists containing trailblazer
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for September 30–October 6, 2023
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"In Defense of a Liberal Education" by Fareed Zakaria
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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.
Trailblazer Cynthia Shange, regarded in South Africa as the first black woman to represent the country in the prestigious Miss World beauty competition at the height of apartheid, has died aged 76.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
The four models made in the country are the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, plus the Buick Envista and Encore GX.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
At least one witness told investigators that he saw the Trailblazer moving in reverse toward the deputy before the shooting happened.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026
They received support that fall from Planned Parenthood of Illinois, which awarded the student group its 2024 Trailblazer Award and honored them in a Chicago ceremony in Chicago.
From Salon • Sep. 9, 2025
Trailblazer to television: the story of Arthur Korn.
From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1977 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office
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.
