pioneer

1 of 3

noun

pi·​o·​neer ˌpī-ə-ˈnir 

1

: a member of a military unit usually of construction engineers

2

a

: a person or group that originates or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or a new method or technical development

b

: one of the first to settle in a territory

3

: a plant or animal capable of establishing itself in a bare, barren, or open area and initiating an ecological cycle

pioneer

2 of 3

verb

pioneered; pioneering; pioneers

intransitive verb

: to act as a pioneer

pioneered in the development of airplanes

transitive verb

1

: to open or prepare for others to follow

also : settle

2

: to originate or take part in the development of

pioneer

3 of 3

adjective

1

: original, earliest

2

: relating to or being a pioneer

especially : of, relating to, or characteristic of early settlers or their time

Synonyms of pioneer

Noun

• settler
• colonist

Verb

• establish
• found
• initiate
• institute
• introduce
• launch
• create

Adjective

• first
• initial
• foremost
• original
• maiden
• earliest
• inaugural

Examples of pioneer in a Sentence

Noun

the pioneers who settled in the American West in the 19th century

the hardships that the pioneers endured while taming the wilderness

Verb

a painter who pioneered a new art form

The new method of cancer treatment was pioneered by an international team of researchers.

He helped pioneer a new route to the West.

He pioneered in the development of airplanes.

Adjective

the nation's pioneer institution for the education of African-Americans

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the great-grandson became wealthy in his own right as a magnate and pioneer in the New York hotel industry. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Meanwhile, airlines for budget travelers are having financial trouble, with ultra-low fare pioneer Spirit even going out of business in May. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Verb

The 2018 Tampa Bay Rays pioneered the use of openers and bulk relievers. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 26 July 2026

That’s what has kept it from thriving in South Florida for decades, despite early efforts by pioneering plant nerds. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Adjective

In tandem with the modernist movement of the 20th century was the Danish concept of functionalism; a design philosophy of form follows function, which was introduced by pioneer Danish architects like Poul Henningsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Middle French pionnier "worker employed on field fortifications who accompanies an army," going back to Old French peonier, pionier "foot soldier, laborer tasked with excavation," from peon, pion "foot soldier" + -ier -eer — more at pawn entry 1

Verb

derivative of pioneer entry 1

Adjective

from attributive use of pioneer entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1780, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Adjective

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pioneer

• adhere
• ameer
• amir
• appear
• arrear
• astir
• austere
• career
• cashier
• cohere
• compere
• emir

Kids Definition

pioneer

1 of 2 noun

pi·​o·​neer ˌpī-ə-ˈni(ə)r 

1

: a person or group that explores new areas of thought or activity

pioneers of American medicine

2

: one of the first to settle in an area : colonist

pioneer adjective

pioneer

2 of 2 verb

1

: to act as a pioneer

2

: to open or prepare for others to follow

especially : settle entry 2 sense 2a

3

: to begin or take part in the development of something new