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
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Another major data centre has been given the green light in the UK, further cementing the country’s status as Europe’s AI front-runner. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 16 June 2026 Ben Rice is now one of the best hitters in the American League, and Schlittler is the Cy Young Award front-runner. Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 This is currently hanging on the back of my bathroom door as a front-runner for my friend’s upcoming wedding in Extremedura. Natalie Cantell, InStyle, 11 June 2026 The Heat remains aggressive in its pursuit, and The Athletic has reported that Miami is the front-runner. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 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 19 Jun. 2026.

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