leading edge

noun

ˈlē-diŋ- How to pronounce leading edge (audio)
Synonyms of leading edgenext
1
: the forward part of something that moves or seems to move
2
: the foremost edge of an airfoil
3
: cutting edge
leading-edge
ˈlē-diŋ-ˈej How to pronounce leading edge (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of leading edge

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Examples of leading edge in a Sentence

the leading edge of an airplane's wing the leading edge of a thunderstorm
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By this point, the city had become the leading edge of a national issue. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 First, mount the label roll on the roll holder, place the holder in the printer, feed the leading edge of the Zink strip into the inside slot, and snap the cover back on. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026 The leading edge of the planet’s disk, called the morning limb, is the region where the local atmosphere is rotating out of the colder night side and into the hot day side. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026 Whether these cases are isolated incidents or the leading edge of something far more consequential is a question that law enforcement and researchers are only beginning to confront. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading edge

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading edge was in 1877

Rhymes for leading edge

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Browse Nearby Words

leading brand
leading edge
leading indicator
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Cite this Entry

“Leading edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20edge. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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