trailblazer

noun

trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrāl-ˌblā-zər 

1

: pioneer sense 2

a trailblazer in astrophysics

2

: one that blazes a trail to guide others : pathfinder

Word Icons

Examples of trailblazer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mattel honored 10 women in 2024 as trailblazers in sports, including tennis legend Venus Williams. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Senior security leader Kourtney Hayes, a trailblazer in cybersecurity, shares her strategies for thriving in tech. — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Stuart was a trailblazer whose legacy was built on integrity, professionalism, and bravery. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Even Van Leeuwen, a trailblazer of the fancy-ice-cream movement, has put it on tap. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 28 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trailblazer

• appraiser
• fundraiser
• blazer
• gazer
• glazer
• kayser
• laser
• lazar
• maser
• mazer
• phasor
• raiser

Kids Definition

trailblazer

noun

trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrā(ə)l-ˌblā-zər 

: someone who prepares the way for others who follow: as

a

: pathfinder

b

: pioneer entry 1 sense 1