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

Word Icons

Examples of trailblazer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tower is a nod to five Black architects, trailblazers whose creations sometimes went unnoticed or overlooked. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

In an interview with ABC News in February, Moura recognized the nomination and said his goal is to be a trailblazer for recognition of South American film achievements. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

In particular, the city had been something of a trailblazer in encouraging more backyard apartments, officially known as accessory dwelling units, though the policy has become increasingly controversial. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

The trailblazer of Czech baseball, Martin Červenka, will be on the team, so there’s at least one person with past professional experience. —Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 5 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