trendsetter

American  

[trend-set-er] / ˈtrɛndˌsɛt ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that establishes a new trend or fashion.

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trendsetter British  

/ ˈtrɛndˌsɛtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that creates, or may create, a new fashion

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Other Word Forms

• trendsetting adjective

Etymology

Origin of trendsetter

1960–65; from the verb phrase set a trend; -er ¹

Example Sentences

It has long been a trendsetter in music, culture and social change.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

The model and musician, 27, was unveiled as creative director last September by founder Louboutin, who appears to be preparing to hand over the reins to the Gen Z trendsetter.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Army basic-training instructor, he became a trendsetter in California’s 1960s alternative culture, hanging out with Ken Kesey, designing multimedia happenings and, in 1968, launching the Whole Earth Catalog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

This joyous duet between Cuban trendsetter Cimafunk and Colombian gypsy jazz outfit Monsieur Periné — culled from Cima’s third album, “Pa’Tu Cuerpa” — is the perfect Latin summer anthem.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2024

As it turned out, the reckless, freewheeling ways of the First National Bank of Midland made it a trendsetter in the American banking industry during the eighties.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger