trailblazer

noun

trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrāl-ˌblā-zər How to pronounce trailblazer (audio)
Synonyms of trailblazer
1
: pioneer sense 2
a trailblazer in astrophysics
2
: one that blazes a trail to guide others : pathfinder

Examples of trailblazer 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.
On Thursday, Woodward and other people Lamb championed helped lay the trailblazer to rest. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Ella Langley celebrated Parton as a trailblazer who helped open the doors for other women in music. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 Whitmore has been a trailblazer for women in professional baseball for some time, making history as the first woman to appear in a starting lineup in the Atlantic League and to appear in and to start a Pioneer League game, among other feats. — Emily Ohman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Dolly was a committed philanthropist and a trailblazer who empowered women to find their own voices and be their authentic selves. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trailblazer

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trailblazer was in 1908

Rhymes for trailblazer

See All Rhymes for trailblazer

Browse Nearby Words

trail bike
trailblazer
trailblazing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trailblazer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trailblazer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trailblazer

noun
trail·​blaz·​er ˈtrā(ə)l-ˌblā-zər How to pronounce trailblazer (audio)
: someone who prepares the way for others who follow: as
a
: pathfinder
b
: pioneer entry 1 sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on trailblazer

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