cutting edge
Americannoun
-
cutting edges
plural
-
the sharp edge of a cutting implement.
-
forefront; lead.
on the cutting edge of computer technology.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Although its store continues to attract a steady flow of walk-in customers looking for the cutting edge of cute, JapanLA’s business has been turbo-charged in recent years by livestream shopping.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026
A retoucher is used to strike the edge of a worn stone tool, knocking off small flakes to restore its intended form and cutting edge.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
The firm, long synonymous with low-cost public-market investing, has rarely been on the cutting edge of new product offerings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
Only Italy, with an average of 1.6 points, had a worse return, with the RFU calling for more cutting edge in attack this summer.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Sean’s voice was honed to a cutting edge when he said, “Going to see your girlfriend?”
From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby
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.
