trendsetter

noun

trend·​set·​ter ˈtren(d)-ˌse-tər 

variants or less commonly trend-setter

plural trendsetters also trend-setters

: one that sets a trend : someone or something that starts or helps to popularize a new fashion, style, movement, etc.

a trendsetter in the fashion industry

Every ten years or so, for a different set of reasons each time, cultural trendsetters rally behind one musician with whom they sense a bond and who then comes to symbolize jazz to the mass media.

—Francis Davis

The county has become a trendsetter in other types of environmental legislation …

—Chemical & Engineering News

Synonyms

• leader
• pioneer

Examples of trendsetter in a Sentence

a closely watched trendsetter in women's fashions

Recent Examples on the Web

Since creating the Kith brand 14 years ago, the company has become a perennial favorite of young trendsetters and sneakerheads. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2025

Rihanna, always a trendsetter, made a subtle update to her long-time stick figure avatar on Instagram by adding blonde hair—a change her fans definitely noticed. —Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 May 2025

The rapper and fashion trendsetter, 36, sat down with podcast hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle for the latest episode of The Run-Through with Vogue to discuss everything from the 2025 Met Gala to some of his upcoming projects. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 1 May 2025

Grace Shoulder Bag For the trendsetter, this bag is right in line with what’s in style right now—and for a great price, too. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trendsetter

• abettor
• newsletter
• typesetter
• better
• bettor
• debtor
• fetter
• getter
• letter
• netter
• petar
• petter