front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce front-runner (audio)
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner

Examples of front-runner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As for who the front-runner is to be the next pontiff, there are several names being bandied around, one being Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi who is president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025 As organizations transition from experimentation to enterprise-scale deployment, certain applications are emerging as clear front-runners. Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Expect Lane to enter training camp as the front-runner for punt and possibly kick return duties. Ben Standig, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Once considered the front-runner to succeed former Mayor Bovo, Tundidor was widely expected to have the former mayor’s endorsement. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for front-runner

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front-runner was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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