leading edge
Americannoun
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Aeronautics. the edge of an airfoil or propeller blade facing the direction of motion.
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something that is or represents the most advanced or innovative aspect of a field, activity, profession, etc.; forefront; vanguard.
the leading edge of technology.
noun
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the forward edge of a propeller blade, aerofoil, or wing Compare trailing edge
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electrical engineering the part of a pulse signal that has an increasing amplitude
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the leading position in any field
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( as modifier )
leading-edge technology
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Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of leading edge
First recorded in 1875–80
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.
Board of Education was on the leading edge by adopting an on-campus student cellphone ban in June 2024.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
The courtroom standoff in Oakland, outside San Francisco, features some of the wealthiest people on the planet, representing tech companies at the leading edge of the AI revolution.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
Television was also the leading edge of the rising consumer society: an ad-driven medium running all day in American homes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
The first chance offered was a leading edge that flew to deep third man, with Rashid unable to take the catch or flick the ball back inside the rope.
From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026
As Akira watched, the app updated and the leading edge of the fire jumped closer to the road.
From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz
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.
