pioneer
peye-uh-NEER
Pioneer (verb) means to be the first to develop or try something, opening the way for others. Example: “That chef pioneered a way of cooking that other restaurants soon copied.”
verb
1
To be the first to develop or try something, opening the way for others.
"That chef pioneered a way of cooking that other restaurants soon copied."
"She pioneered a new method of teaching remote classes."
"The company pioneered electric vehicle technology decades before it became mainstream."
noun
1
A person who is among the first to explore, settle, or develop something new.
"She is a pioneer of online learning in her country."
"Pioneers of flight tested their flimsy machines in open fields."
"The early pioneers crossed the plains in covered wagons."
How to use pioneer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that goes first and opens up new territory, whether physical land or a new field of work.
Common pairings
pioneer a technique
early pioneers
pioneering spirit
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pioneers
- Past tense
- pioneered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That chef _____ a way of cooking that other restaurants soon copied.
Etymology
From Old French peonier, "foot soldier," which developed the sense of someone who goes ahead to clear the way.
Related words
Rhymes for pioneer
See all rhymes for pioneer →Frequently asked questions
What does “pioneer” mean?
The word “pioneer” means to be the first to develop or try something, opening the way for others. In plain terms, someone (or something) that goes first and opens up new territory, whether physical land or a new field of work.
How do you pronounce “pioneer”?
“Pioneer” is pronounced peye-uh-NEER (/ˌpaɪ.əˈnɪɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pioneer” in a sentence?
Here is “pioneer” used in a sentence: “She pioneered a new method of teaching remote classes.”
What part of speech is “pioneer”?
Depending on how it is used, “pioneer” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pioneer” come from?
The word “pioneer” comes from Old French. From Old French peonier, "foot soldier," which developed the sense of someone who goes ahead to clear the way.
Is “pioneer” a common word?
“Pioneer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “pioneer” have?
“Pioneer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be the first to develop or try something, opening the way for others.
What is the difference between a pioneer and an inventor?
An "inventor" creates something entirely new, such as a device or process. A "pioneer" is among the first to develop, try, or explore something, opening the way for others to follow. A pioneer may advance or popularise an idea without having invented it.
What is the difference between a pioneer and a settler?
A "pioneer" is among the first to explore or open up new territory or a new field. A "settler" establishes a home in a new area, often arriving after pioneers have led the way. Pioneering emphasises being first, while settling emphasises putting down roots.
What is the difference between a pioneer and a trailblazer?
The two are close in meaning, and both describe someone who leads the way for others. "Trailblazer" stresses being boldly first and innovative, while "pioneer" stresses early exploration, settlement, or development. In many sentences they can be used interchangeably.
