front runner

or front-runner, frontrunner

noun

1. a person who leads in any competition.
2. an entrant in a race who breaks to the front immediately and establishes the pace for the field.
3. an entrant in a race who performs well only when ahead of the field.

Word History and Origins

Origin of front runner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

In April, Wehby was the front-runner; now, she is trailing badly and Oregon is safely in the D column.

From The Daily Beast

But being a front-runner can be a curse as much as a blessing.

From The Daily Beast

Well, Senator Rand Paul last weekend won the straw poll at CPAC, so I guess that means he is now the 2016 front-runner.

From The Daily Beast

Just ask the 2006-2007 presidential “front runner” Rudy Giuliani how that early status worked out for him.

From The Daily Beast

And he's not going to register, I shouldn't think, as they front-runner in the polls.

From The Daily Beast

O'Connor's practiced eye saw no menace in that floundering front runner; no danger in a shaft already spent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• favorite
• shoo-in