leading

¹

[ lee-ding ]

adjective

1. chief; principal; most important; foremost:

   a leading toy manufacturer.

2. coming in advance of others; first:

   We rode in the leading car.

3. directing, guiding.

   Synonyms: ruling

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that leads.

leading

²

[ led-ing ]

noun

1. a covering or framing of lead:

   the leading of a stained-glass window.

2. Printing. lead ²( def 7 ).

leading

¹

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

adjective

1. guiding, directing, or influencing
2. prenominal principal or primary
3. in the first position

   the leading car in the procession

4. maths (of a coefficient) associated with the term of highest degree in a polynomial containing one variable

   in 5x² + 2x + 3, 5 is the leading coefficient

leading

²

/ ˈlɛdɪŋ /

noun

1. printing the spacing between lines of photocomposed or digitized type Also calledinterlinear spacing

Derived Forms

• ˈleadingly, adverb

Other Words From

• leading·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (noun); lead ¹( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; lead ¹( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Origin of leading²

First recorded in 1400–50; lead ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The Bruins committed nine penalties against Iowa, costing them 84 yards and at least four points after a penalty on a Hawkeyes field-goal attempt gave them a first down leading to a touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

The score subtly shifts from zydeco to rara — the tones transitioning from that of a backwoods party to a street parade — before leading to an Afro-Cuban finale that builds to the sing-along “Dig a Little Deeper.”

From Los Angeles Times

Prof Anthony Chalmers, who is leading the second phase of the trial, said a breakthrough would be “massive” as outcomes for patients were bleak.

From BBC

He has not made any errors leading to goals.

From BBC

“Planet Earth is in critical condition,” said leading climate scientist Johan Rockström, another signatory.

From BBC

Related Words

• best
• dominant
• famous
• main
• noted
• outstanding
• popular
• preeminent
• principal
• prominent
• top
• well-known