English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

front

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈfɹənt/ UK /fɹˈʌnt/ front UK spelling fronts

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.the part of something that faces forward or is seen first.

    n.the foremost side of an object or the end that faces the direction of motion.

    Simple

    The front of the house was painted bright white with a blue door.

    In context

    The architect focused on the front of the building, ensuring the facade complemented the historic streetscape while maintaining modern functionality.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Military

    n.the place where two armies are fighting in a war.

    n.the area where armies are engaged in active conflict; the line of contact between opposing forces.

    Simple

    The soldiers were sent to the front after three months of training.

    In context

    Reports from the front indicated that the defensive lines were holding despite the sustained artillery bombardment throughout the night.

    front linebattlefield
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Science

    n.the place where cold air and warm air meet, often bringing rain.

    n.the transition zone between two air masses of different density and temperature.

    Simple

    A cold front is moving in, so the temperature will drop tonight.

    In context

    The arrival of a warm front led to significant cloud cover and steady precipitation across the valley for several days.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a way of behaving that hides your real feelings or a secret activity.

    n.a deceptive outward appearance or a person/organization used to mask covert activities.

    Simple

    He puts on a brave front, but I know he is actually very worried.

    In context

    The small dry-cleaning business was merely a front for a sophisticated money-laundering operation that spanned several states.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate British English

    n.the road or path right next to the sea in a town.

    n.a coastal promenade or the part of a town facing the sea.

    Simple

    We took a long walk along the front and stopped for ice cream.

    In context

    The Victorian hotels lining the front have been meticulously restored to attract a new generation of summer tourists.

    seafrontpromenade
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to be the leader or the public face of a group or show.

    v.to act as the spokesperson or lead figure for an organization, campaign, or musical group.

    Simple

    She was chosen to front the new television series about history.

    In context

    The charismatic activist was recruited to front the environmental campaign, given her ability to connect with diverse audiences.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    v.to pretend to be someone you are not or to act tougher than you are.

    v.to assume a false or disingenuous persona, often to impress or intimidate others.

    Simple

    Stop fronting; we all know you didn't actually buy that car.

    In context

    He spent the entire evening fronting about his connections in the industry, though it was clear to everyone he was lying.

  8. 08 A1 Beginner

    adj.describing something that is at the very beginning or the forward part.

    adj.positioned at or near the foremost part of a structure or sequence.

    Simple

    The front door was locked, so we had to use the back entrance.

    In context

    The front passenger seat offers significantly more legroom than the cramped quarters in the rear of the vehicle.

Usage front page · front row · front line


From Middle English front, frunt, frount, from Old French front, frunt, from Latin frōns, frontem (“forehead”). Doublet of frons.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin frōns
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated