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

• cutting edge
• forefront
• front line
• van
• vanguard

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

In ten industries of the future, according to a recent report from the Information Technology and Industry Foundation, China is near the leading edge of innovation (or better) in six. —Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025

First contact is when the moon’s leading edge moves into the penumbra. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025

Second contact is when the leading edge enters the umbra; this is also the start of the partial eclipse, when Earth’s shadow falling on the moon becomes obvious. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025

Fourth contact is when the leading edge passes out of the umbra and becomes easily visible again, ending totality, and fifth contact is when the entire moon is fully out of the umbra. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 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