pioneer

pi-o-neer · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area.

  2. 2.

    To be a pioneer in a field; to develop or be first to do something.

  3. 3.

    A person who develops or is first to use new ideas, methods, or technology.

Forms

plural: pioneers

Related words

Antonyms: follower, imitator
See also: explorer, innovator, trailblazer
Synonyms: innovator, pathfinder, trailblazer

Etymology

From Old French paonier ("foot soldier"), from paon ("foot"), from Latin pedo ("foot soldier"). The sense evolved from military scouts who went ahead to prepare the way.