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.
That gives us very little clarity as to who the Best New Artist front-runner is. Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 In every election over the past seven decades, the front-runners have been candidates from these two parties. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Banks, a military veteran who served in Afghanistan, is a rising conservative voice and the front-runner in the race with a huge fundraising advantage. Arika Herron, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is the clear front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near front-runner

Cite this Entry

“Front-runner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front-runner. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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