cutting edge

noun

1

: a sharp effect or quality

2

: the foremost part or place : vanguard

cutting-edge

ˈkə-tiŋ-ˌej 

adjective

Synonyms of cutting edge

• vanguard
• underground
• pioneer

Examples of cutting edge in a Sentence

a company that has always been on the cutting edge of the new electronic media

He's a director who tries to keep his films right on the cutting edge.

Recent Examples on the Web

The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Most Read Reviews Appropriately enough for two musicians working at the cutting edge of this underground, Bowery Electric’s Martha Schwendener and Lawrence Chandler met while working at pre-fab master Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026

The cutting edge of this debate is happening in cryptography, where AI has completely changed popular understandings of trust and assurance. — Ali El Kaafarani, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Hilary had accidentally stumbled into a cutting edge—and somewhat controversial—corner of psychiatry. — Jamie Ducharme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cutting edge

• allege
• straightedge
• dredge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge

Kids Definition

cutting edge

noun

1

: the sharp edge of a cutting tool

2

: the newest and most advanced area of an activity

cutting-edge adjective