trailblazer

[ treyl-bley-zer ]

noun

1. a person who blazes blaze a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness; pathfinder.
2. a pioneer in any field of endeavor:

   a trailblazer in science.

trailblazer

/ ˈtreɪlˌbleɪzə /

noun

1. a leader or pioneer in a particular field
2. a person who blazes a trail

Derived Forms

• ˈtrailˌblazing, adjectivenoun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trailblazer¹

First recorded in 1905–10; trail + blaze ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

When Jane Goodall began observing and studying chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, she was a trailblazer.

From BBC

He applauded his fighter Taylor, who was equally complimentary of her fellow trailblazer.

From BBC

Being of Pakistani descent, Bhaghani said he wanted to be a trailblazer for others like him with an interest in football.

From Los Angeles Times

Debbie Allen and Misty Copeland, Black dance trailblazers in their own right, paid tribute to Jamison on social media over the weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Kennedy was a fashion icon who was dedicated to the preservation of the White House, while Mrs Ford was known as a trailblazer who advocated for abortion rights and women's rights.

From BBC

Related Words

• wanderer