cutting edge

noun

Synonyms of cutting edgenext
1
: a sharp effect or quality
2
: the foremost part or place : vanguard
cutting-edge adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Every winter, so many people come into town, exposing us to maybe the cutting edge of the art world at all times. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 Hypersonic planes and weapons are at the cutting edge of military research and development. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Placing cutting edges along the handle might seem like a risky design choice. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026 The cutting edge opportunities are out there, but understand that leadership is about people. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutting edge

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutting edge was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cutting edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutting%20edge. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster