noun
-
a leader or pioneer in a particular field
-
a person who blazes a trail
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of trailblazer
Compare meaning
How does trailblazer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A trailblazer is a person who's the first to do something, whether it's marking a new path through the woods or discovering a cure for cancer. A literal trailblazer blazes, or marks, trails in the wilderness. She does this by making marks or signs on trees and rocks at regular distances along a trail in order to help other hikers find their way. Figurative trailblazers can also be called pioneers or groundbreakers. These are innovators who make strides in fields like science, medicine, or education.
Vocabulary lists containing trailblazer
Chew On This
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for September 30–October 6, 2023
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"In Defense of a Liberal Education" by Fareed Zakaria
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
Harry was at one time among Britain's most popular royals -- a military and charity trailblazer with the fiery red hair and rebellious streak.
From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026
Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was mourned on Tuesday with lowered flags and social media commemorations, ahead of a funeral for the reforming trailblazer who died last week at 97.
From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026
For the 27-year-old Freese, whose late father Andrew was a trailblazer in gene therapy, a love of numbers and his skill between the goal posts are far from different pursuits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
In a statement, she acknowledged her trailblazer status.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026
As a matter of fact, she didn't even wait for Whit to answer and instead saved herself the frustration by being the trailblazer for the rest of us and getting in position.
From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds
They were followed as first-night headliners by Linkin Park's fellow nu metal trailblazers Limp Bizkit - second on the bill a couple of years ago but elevated further this year as their latest renaissance continues.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
Amid the uncertainty, longevity doctors view themselves—and their patients—as trailblazers.
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
But they have also been at the forefront of recent discussions around grappling and blocking at set-pieces, with Everton boss David Moyes identifying Mikel Arteta's side as the trailblazers for the use of "dark arts".
From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2026
Now ahead of the American ice dance trailblazers in one category, Chock and Bates are still trying to catch Davis and White in another.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2026
This new initiative would be composed of American trailblazers in women’s sports who embody and support the secretary and department’s efforts to empower women and girls globally through sport.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
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.
