leading edge

noun

ˈlē-diŋ- 

1

: the forward part of something that moves or seems to move

2

: the foremost edge of an airfoil

3

: cutting edge

leading-edge

ˈlē-diŋ-ˈej 

adjective

Synonyms of leading edge

• forefront

Examples of leading edge in a Sentence

the leading edge of an airplane's wing

the leading edge of a thunderstorm

Recent Examples on the Web

The leading edge of the plume is expected to reach the western Gulf Coast first, with early impacts along the Texas shoreline before spreading east toward Louisiana and other Gulf states. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Forecasters expect the large cold front to develop in the Pacific Northwest on Thursday then push southeast into the Intermountain West, creating dry lightning along the storm’s leading edge. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 24 June 2026

The company will evaluate applications for nose cones, fins, leading edges, bulkheads, and other high-performance structures that require precision and durability. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

First, mount the label roll on the roll holder, place the holder in the printer, feed the leading edge of the Zink strip into the inside slot, and snap the cover back on. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for leading edge

• allege
• straightedge
• dredge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge