groundbreaker

[ ground-brey-ker ]

noun

1. a person who is an originator, innovator, or pioneer in a particular activity.
2. an original idea, product, or the like that leads to or makes possible further developments, growth, improvements, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of groundbreaker¹

ground ¹ + breaker ¹

Example Sentences

“Louis was a groundbreaker, a brilliant, kind man, and an incendiary presence on screen. Each of us was lucky to have him.”

From Seattle Times

The original 1993 Broadway musical, with its flying Tommy and galloping pinball machine, was a visual groundbreaker, warmed by excellent performances.

From New York Times

Wallace seeks to be known as a championship driver along with a groundbreaker.

From Washington Times

Many of these supposed groundbreakers were in fact preceded by generations of people including persons from other cultures and nations.

From Seattle Times

Another groundbreaker is the poet and novelist Ana Castillo and her border classic “So Far From God.”

From New York Times