front-runner — a person or thing that is leading in a race or competition
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person or thing that is leading in a race or competition
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnər/
Example Sentences
- The company went from startup to front-runner faster than you can say 'unicorn'.
- As the front-runner in the mayoral election, he had to be careful not to trip over his own campaign promises.
- Tesla emerged as the front-runner in electric vehicle technology.
front-runner
NOUN[/ˈfrʌnt ˌrʌnər/]
a person or thing that is leading in a race or competition

The front-runner waved to fans as she crossed the finish line first.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Front-runner originated in mid-19th century English as a literal term for the leading participant in a race or marathon. The term was later metaphorically extended to political and business contexts to denote a leading candidate or competitor with the strongest position to win.
Breakdown
front (ahead, forward) + runner (one who runs). The compound describes a person running at the front of a race, later applied figuratively to any leading contender.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The company went from startup to front-runner faster than you can say 'unicorn'.”
“As the front-runner in the mayoral election, he had to be careful not to trip over his own campaign promises.”
“Tesla emerged as the front-runner in electric vehicle technology.”
“Despite being the front-runner, she remained humble about her chances of winning.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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