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
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.
Meanwhile, front-runners like the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills both suffered their second consecutive losses after 4-0 starts. Mike Jones, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 This comes as companies like Oura, which developed the Oura ring and just announced an $11 billion valuation following a $900 million funding round, are front-runners in the next frontier in preventative health care. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025 Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist and clear front-runner in the race, faced sharp attacks from his rivals, who accused him of being unprepared and promoting unrealistic policies. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 Mamdani has been the front-runner in the polls since winning the Democratic primary for mayor in June. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 2025.

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