leading

The word “leading” means most important or most prominent; ranking first. In plain terms, coming first or guiding the way — or, in design, the gap between lines of text.

“Leading” is pronounced LEE-dihng (/ˈlidɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “leading” used in a sentence: “She plays the leading role in the new film.”

Depending on how it is used, “leading” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Leading” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Leading” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: most important or most prominent; ranking first.

It means the most important, successful, or prominent in its field — ranking first among rivals. A 'leading company' is at the front of its industry; a 'leading expert' is among the most respected in their subject. The word marks something as a front-runner rather than merely good.

Both suggest the highest rank, and they often work as synonyms — a 'leading brand' and a 'top brand' are similar. 'Top' is a little more casual and can simply mean best or highest. 'Leading' adds the sense of being out in front and setting the direction others follow.

You will see it before a noun to mark first rank: 'the leading cause of delays,' 'a leading newspaper,' 'the leading role in a play,' or 'the country's leading scientist.' In each case, 'leading' singles the thing out as the most important, prominent, or foremost of its kind.

In this adjective sense, yes — it marks something as foremost or ranking first. But the same spelling has other meanings: as a verb form it means guiding or being ahead, as in 'leading the way,' and in printing, 'leading' is the spacing between lines of text. Context shows which is meant.