front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər 

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

Celebrity Cruises is a front-runner in the onboard dining space. — Scott Laird, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Schlittler is the clear front-runner for the American League Cy Young Award. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 20 June 2026

The exception is Love Story, and its pilot should be a front-runner for this category. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026

Multiple network insiders said Tuesday afternoon that no clear front-runner has emerged for James, but that money will not drive the decision. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for front-runner

• forerunner
• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• runner
• tonner