leading — most important, main, or principal
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: most important, main, or principal
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈliːdɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The leading cause of student stress is choosing what to have for lunch every day.
- Samsung is a leading technology company in South Korea.
- She played the leading role in the school musical and forgot all her lines.
leading
ADJECTIVE[/ˈliːdɪŋ/]
most important, main, or principal

The leading runner pulls ahead as the crowd erupts in the final stretch.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the Old English word 'lædan' meaning 'to guide or conduct,' which is related to Germanic roots. The word evolved through Middle English as the concept of 'guiding' extended to mean 'being first' or 'most important.'
Breakdown
lead (to guide, conduct) + -ing (present participle suffix indicating action or state) = leading (guiding, being foremost, or most important)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The leading cause of student stress is choosing what to have for lunch every day.”
“Samsung is a leading technology company in South Korea.”
“She played the leading role in the school musical and forgot all her lines.”
“The leading researcher published groundbreaking findings about climate change.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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