trailblazer

noun

trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrāl-ˌblā-zər 

1

: pioneer sense 2

a trailblazer in astrophysics

2

: one that blazes a trail to guide others : pathfinder

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Examples of trailblazer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nancy Metayer Bowen was a politically-ambitious trailblazer for a new generation of Haitian Americans in South Florida before her tragic death, which is being criminally investigated, was announced Wednesday. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

But as Trankina pointed out, Starrett was a trailblazer even before her prolific career in the arts. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026

The mission is seen as a trailblazer of sorts, setting the stage for a flight next year in Earth orbit when another crew will test rendezvous and docking procedures with moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin. —William Harwood, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

Legends, trailblazers and crowd favorites Beyond Lovano, the 2026 lineup reads like a cross-generational jazz hall of fame. —Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for trailblazer

• appraiser
• fundraiser
• blazer
• gazer
• glazer
• kayser
• laser
• lazar
• maser
• mazer
• phasor
• raiser

Kids Definition

trailblazer

noun

trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrā(ə)l-ˌblā-zər 

: someone who prepares the way for others who follow: as

a

: pathfinder

b

: pioneer entry 1 sense 1