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

Can you be a trailblazer when no one has followed your trail?

From The Daily Beast

When it comes to dystopian, young adult fiction, Lois Lowry was the trailblazer.

From The Daily Beast

They will financially support their long-awaited trailblazer far past his playing days.

From The Daily Beast

Several outlets compared him to Jackie Robinson as a trailblazer.

From The Daily Beast

Trailblazer might sound like a made-up award, but at least Watson said something meaningful.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• wanderer