cutting-edge — very modern and advanced; at the forefront of innovation
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: very modern and advanced; at the forefront of innovation
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother bought a cutting-edge smartphone but still uses it as a paperweight.
- The university's cutting-edge laboratory attracts researchers from around the world.
- He claims his haircut is cutting-edge fashion, but it looks like he stuck his finger in an electrical socket.
cutting-edge
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/]
very modern and advanced; at the forefront of innovation

The startup unveiled their cutting-edge robot that folds laundry in seconds.

At the cutting edge of innovation, standing on a knife edge!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This expression originates from the literal concept of the sharpest edge of a blade or cutting tool. From the 1960s onwards, it began to be used metaphorically to describe something at the forefront of advancement or innovation, transferring the notion of physical sharpness to intellectual and technological superiority.
Breakdown
cutting (the act of cutting or a sharp blade) + edge (the border or margin) = the sharpest, most advanced point. The compound uses the literal image of a blade's keenest edge as a metaphor for the most forward-looking or innovative position.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother bought a cutting-edge smartphone but still uses it as a paperweight.”
“The university's cutting-edge laboratory attracts researchers from around the world.”
“He claims his haircut is cutting-edge fashion, but it looks like he stuck his finger in an electrical socket.”
“The company invests heavily in cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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