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 company has other strengths such as vertical integration—at the application, cloud, and chip layers—that are structural advantages that can offset weaker performance at the cutting edge of raw model intelligence. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

That lack of cutting edge was evident in the shootout, with Rayan Ait Nouri, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez missing the first three penalties. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Since OutKick is always on the cutting edge of cultural changes, here is the next one that is going to hit. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Chinese institutions have the capabilities and are doing cutting edge work, said Huang. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 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