groundbreaker

American  

[ground-brey-ker] / ˈgraʊndˌbreɪ kər /

noun

1. a person who is an originator, innovator, or pioneer in a particular activity.

2. an original idea, product, or the like that leads to or makes possible further developments, growth, improvements, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of groundbreaker

ground ¹ + breaker ¹

Example Sentences

The difference between the two groundbreakers is that Robinson is more visible and beloved.

From Los Angeles Times

“Louis was a groundbreaker, a brilliant, kind man, and an incendiary presence on screen. Each of us was lucky to have him.”

From Seattle Times

The original 1993 Broadway musical, with its flying Tommy and galloping pinball machine, was a visual groundbreaker, warmed by excellent performances.

From New York Times

Wallace seeks to be known as a championship driver along with a groundbreaker.

From Washington Times

Many of these supposed groundbreakers were in fact preceded by generations of people including persons from other cultures and nations.

From Seattle Times