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thought leader

American

[thawt lee-der] / ˈθɔt ˌli dər /

noun

a person or organization that is a recognized authority in a particular field and whose innovative ideas influence and guide others.

He is a thought leader in education reform and his insights represent the latest thinking on the topic.

Other Word Forms

thought leadership noun

Etymology

Origin of thought leader

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Rules of thumb don’t really apply to anyone,” said Jeanne Thompson, another retirement thought leader I consulted.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 9, 2026

He sees himself as a thought leader and a visionary, and he really wanted that word removed.

From Slate • Nov. 17, 2025

Instead, the high-profile African American thought leader will run as an independent.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 5, 2023

Musk knows that amplifying his celebrity reputation is key to being perceived as a successful, trustworthy thought leader.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2023

Mayor Karen Bass described convicted Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas as a champion of the city, a thought leader and “a policymaker who made a real impact.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023