trendsetter

noun

trend·​set·​ter ˈtren(d)-ˌse-tər How to pronounce trendsetter (audio)
variants or less commonly trend-setter
plural trendsetters also trend-setters
: one that sets a trend : someone or something that starts or helps to popularize a new fashion, style, movement, etc.
a trendsetter in the fashion industry
Every ten years or so, for a different set of reasons each time, cultural trendsetters rally behind one musician with whom they sense a bond and who then comes to symbolize jazz to the mass media.Francis Davis
The county has become a trendsetter in other types of environmental legislation …Chemical & Engineering News

Examples of trendsetter in a Sentence

a closely watched trendsetter in women's fashions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Grace Shoulder Bag For the trendsetter, this bag is right in line with what’s in style right now—and for a great price, too. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025 While the rest of the world (or at least, most of America) is preparing for June hangovers from Pride Month, Austin, ever the trendsetter, is saving its celebration for August 23. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Maximalist trendsetters, rejoice: These neon luggage tags are a fashion statement all on their own. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025 The executive acknowledged that the recent strategy aimed at tapping into Gen Z cool without sticking to the brand’s core values inherently made Ellesse a follower rather than a trendsetter. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for trendsetter

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trendsetter was in 1936

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trendsetter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trendsetter. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!