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

And, while this new image is the result of a team effort of cutting edge-technology, the Black Eye Galaxy is also a favorite target for backyard astronomers because it can often be spotted in small telescopes. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The move demonstrates the fast-growing appeal of short-form vertical video, even for a company that is also on the cutting edge of the scrolling graphic novel format. — William Earl, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Those on the cutting edge of chic are checking in to Maya Hotel Courchevel 1850, which has just 14 guest rooms and suites. — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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

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