front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce front-runner (audio)
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner

Examples of front-runner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Seen as front-runner Pope Leo started to emerge as a front-runner for the papacy in the days before the conclave began, according to the Rev. James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC News. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 May 2025 That vote is often a chance to sound out front-runners and give token votes to friends and respected colleagues. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 May 2025 There are a bunch of solid front-runners to take the pope seat. Raven Smith, Vogue, 7 May 2025 The former New York governor is widely considered the front-runner in the city’s 2025 mayoral race. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for front-runner

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front-runner was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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