front-runner

noun

front-run·​ner ˈfrənt-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce front-runner (audio)
1
: a contestant who runs best when in the lead
2
: a leading contestant in or as if in a rivalry or competition
a political front-runner

Examples of front-runner in a Sentence

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.
Die, My Love Jennifer Lawrence in Die My Love Courtesy of the Cannes Film Festival Because so many Oscar front-runners have filtered through Cannes in the past few years, everyone who comes here is keeping an eye out for the next big sensation. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025 He is seen as the front-runner in the Democratic primary election for New York City mayor on June 24. Sarah N. Lynch, USA Today, 22 May 2025 While the couple seemed to be the front-runners, their relationship took a drastic turn after details surfaced of Aaron’s inappropriate relations with Kassy Castillo. Caroline Reilly, Glamour, 22 May 2025 Pickett seems to be the front-runner to be the Week 1 starter. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for front-runner

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front-runner was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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