leading
1 Americanadjective
-
chief; principal; most important; foremost.
a leading toy manufacturer.
-
coming in advance of others; first.
We rode in the leading car.
-
directing, guiding.
- Synonyms:
- ruling
noun
adjective
-
guiding, directing, or influencing
-
(prenominal) principal or primary
-
in the first position
the leading car in the procession
-
maths (of a coefficient) associated with the term of highest degree in a polynomial containing one variable
in 5x² + 2x + 3, 5 is the leading coefficient
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of leading1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (noun); lead 1 ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; lead 1 ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun sense
Origin of leading2
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.
However, he was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
Reduced river flows have made it harder to meet the needs of states downstream of Powell, leading to more frequent deficits over the last 25 years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
John was the starter in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium with the Dodgers leading the series, 3-2.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
This is important, given falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults over 65.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
“It’s not about the burial society, boy,” said Allan, leading him down the hall and into an empty classroom.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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.
