leading

lead-ing · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Most important or in first position.

  2. 2.

    Being ahead of others in a race or competition.

  3. 3.

    (As a verb form) Present participle of "lead": guiding or directing.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    leading edge — the forefront of progress or innovation
  • •
    leading question — a question that suggests the desired answer
  • •
    leading role — the main part in a play or film
  • •
    leading man/lady — the principal actor in a production

Related words

Antonyms: following, minor, trailing
See also: lead, leader, leadership
Synonyms: chief, foremost, primary, principal

Etymology

From Old English lædan ("to guide, conduct") + -ing. The word has been used as both a present participle and adjective since Middle English.