cutting edge

American  

noun

1. the sharp edge of a cutting implement.

2. forefront; lead.

   on the cutting edge of computer technology.

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cutting edge British  

noun

1. the leading position in any field; forefront

   on the cutting edge of space technology

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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

"It was actually St Mirren who were the better team, especially in the second half, when they pinned Celtic back but didn't have that cutting edge," he told BBC Scotland.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Many are on the cutting edge of molecular biology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

So it likely doesn’t represent the cutting edge of what AI companies are currently doing and the claimed results may not be as dramatic with today’s models.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Somewhere along the line, though, England have misplaced their cutting edge.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Guitar could still create the sense of danger and life lived on the cutting edge.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• forefront
• front line
• vanguard