plural pioneers
1
: a person who helps create or develop new ideas, methods, etc.
—often + in
They were pioneers in the field of American medicine.
She was a pioneer in the development of new cancer treatments.
—often + ofa pioneer of digital technology
2
: someone who is one of the first people to move to and live in a new area
the pioneers who settled in the American West in the 19th century
pioneers; pioneered; pioneering
: to help create or develop (new ideas, methods, etc.) : to be a pioneer in the development of (something)
a painter who pioneered a new art form
The new method of cancer treatment was pioneered by an international team of researchers.
He helped pioneer a new route to the West.
He pioneered in the development of airplanes.
Cite this Entry
“Pioneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pioneer. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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