leading edge

noun

ˈlē-diŋ- 

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 

adjective

Synonyms of leading edge

• forefront

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

Traveling over five times the speed of sound generates immense friction and drag, resulting in the leading edges reaching temperatures beyond 1,650 °C (3,000 °F). —New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025

The leading edge today begins with introspection, and workflows become the foundation for practical agentic design. —Jessica Billingsley, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2025

This high-power laser will see our Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, delivering a cutting-edge capability to help defend the UK and our allies in this new era of threat. —MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

In the 1990s, Frank Fish took a close look at the massive knobs that stud the leading edge of humpback whale fins. —Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for leading edge

• allege
• straightedge
• dredge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge