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

Although its store continues to attract a steady flow of walk-in customers looking for the cutting edge of cute, JapanLA’s business has been turbo-charged in recent years by livestream shopping. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

After the demonstrations, the cutting edge remained intact, with no visible chipping or major edge damage. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Allies and adversaries alike are now engaged in an arms race, ramping up drone production and use in an attempt to innovate their way to the cutting edge. — Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

But Roman won’t be on the cutting edge for long, because NASA is already designing the next space telescope. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 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