trailblazer

noun trail·blaz·er \ ˈtrāl-ˌblā-zər \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of trailblazer

1 : pioneer 2

a trailblazer in astrophysics

2 : one that blazes a trail to guide others : pathfinder

See trailblazer defined for English-language learners

See trailblazer defined for kids

Recent Examples of trailblazer from the Web

Sheehan was the trailblazer, attending Georgetown and becoming the program’s all-time leader in points.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Johns Hopkins the last stop for the lacrosse-rich Stanwick family," 5 Apr. 2018
The racing trailblazer's last race is in May at the Indy 500.

— doug criss, CNN, "5 things for March 30: Russia probe, Syria, race & policing, 'Serial' new trial," 30 Mar. 2018
Then, engage and have a conversation with her to learn more about her history as a trailblazer.

— cleveland.com, "22 things to do in Cleveland on Easter weekend: Brunch, concerts, film and more," 29 Mar. 2018
Bob Dylan Dylan's place in music is firmly cemented as lyrical and musical trailblazer who has influenced nearly every pop performer that followed him.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "Music fans: Stop excusing these musicians' faults," 7 Feb. 2018
Perhaps unbeknownst to them, in that same city, one of their own became a trailblazer 60 years ago for integrating sports arenas throughout the Deep South.

— john sharp, AL.com, "From Mobile to Memphis, Sputnik Monroe was a body-slamming civil rights pioneer," 25 Mar. 2018
Here are all the trailblazers to look out for on Sunday night: 1.

— valentina zarya, Fortune, "5 History-Making Women to Root For at the 2018 Oscars," 2 Mar. 2018
Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, the 15 trailblazers in this list have remained unmoved.

— marquita k. harris, Essence.com, "15 Black Women Who Are Paving The Way In STEM And Breaking Barriers," 13 Feb. 2018
Beyoncé, ever the trailblazer, was already rocking 2016’s sheer trend.

— maggie malach, PEOPLE.com, "The Complete History of Beyoncé at the Grammys," 28 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trailblazer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of trailblazer

1908

TRAILBLAZER Defined for English Language Learners

trailblazer

noun

Definition of trailblazer for English Language Learners

: a person who makes, does, or discovers something new and makes it acceptable or popular
: a person who marks or prepares a trail through a forest or field for other people to follow