always used before a noun
1
: having great importance, influence, or success
a leading topic of conversation
Their family played a leading part in the settlement of the town.
the leading role in a major Hollywood movie
a leading citizen of the town
She's one of the leading authorities/experts on the stock market.
2
: most important : foremost
What is the leading [=number one] health problem for older women?
Cite this Entry
“Leading.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/leading. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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