cutting edge

American  

noun

1. the sharp edge of a cutting implement.

2. forefront; lead.

   on the cutting edge of computer technology.

---

cutting edge British  

noun

1. the leading position in any field; forefront

   on the cutting edge of space technology

---

adjective

1. at the forefront of people or things in a field of activity; leading

   cutting-edge technology

Other Word Forms

• cutting-edge adjective

Etymology

Origin of cutting edge

First recorded in 1950–55

Explanation

Something that's cutting-edge is the very latest or the most stylish. If you always covet the newest kind of cellphone, you could say that you like cutting-edge technology. The adjective cutting-edge often describes new advances in science or technology — a hospital might advertise its use of cutting-edge cancer treatments, for example. Art can be described as cutting-edge as well, if it uses innovative techniques or does something completely new. The word cutting-edge has only been used in this figurative way since the mid-1960s; before that it literally meant "the edge of a tool's blade."

Example Sentences

They see themselves at the cutting edge of a trend that is about to sweep the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Many are on the cutting edge of molecular biology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Up front, their attack lacked a cutting edge.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming Hollywood at a pace that has sent shockwaves through creative industries, but human creativity will always prevail, a leading executive at the cutting edge of that change told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

That is because they thought they were being ultra-modern, the cutting edge, the new blood.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• forefront
• front line
• vanguard