noun

trailblazer

TRAYL-blay-zer

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Trailblazer (noun) means a person who is the first to do something important, opening the way for others to follow. Example: “She was a trailblazer for women in orchestral conducting.”

noun

A person who is the first to do something important, opening the way for others to follow.

"She was a trailblazer for women in orchestral conducting."

"The company was a trailblazer in cheap solar storage."

A person who marks or cuts a path through wild country for others to follow.

"Trailblazers went ahead of the wagons to mark the route."

How to use trailblazer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe first person to do something, making it possible for others.

When to use it

Positive and slightly celebratory, common in profiles, obituaries and award citations. The related adjective is trailblazing.

Memory tip

A trailblazer is defined by others following. Someone brilliant but isolated, whose approach nobody adopted, is better called a maverick.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pioneer → maverick → innovator →

Common pairings

a true trailblazer trailblazer for trailblazing work

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

She was a _____ for women in orchestral conducting.

Etymology

A compound of trail and blaze in its sense of marking trees with cuts to show a route through forest.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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pioneer innovator pathfinder groundbreaker forerunner scout

Antonyms

follower imitator

Related words

watch director leader guide ancient founder explore lover

Rhymes for trailblazer

razer blazer Frazer stargazer

See all rhymes for trailblazer →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a trailblazer and a pioneer?

They are close synonyms, but trailblazer emphasises clearing the way so others can follow, while pioneer emphasises being first into unfamiliar territory. Pioneer is also used for the settlers of new regions in a literal historical sense that trailblazer largely lacks today.

Where does the word trailblazer come from?

From the practice of blazing a trail, which meant cutting marks into tree bark so that a route through forest could be found again. The marks themselves were called blazes, and the person who made them was the trailblazer.

What is the meaning of trailblazer?

"trailblazer" (noun) means a person who is the first to do something important, opening the way for others to follow.

What is another word for trailblazer?

Other words for "trailblazer" include pioneer, innovator, pathfinder, groundbreaker, forerunner, scout.

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