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front

US //ˈfɹənt// UK //fɹˈʌnt// front
  1. 1 foremost part (n.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The architect focused on the front of the building, ensuring the facade complemented the historic streetscape while maintaining modern functionality.
  2. 2 military zone (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Military

    the place where two armies are fighting in a war.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Reports from the front indicated that the defensive lines were holding despite the sustained artillery bombardment throughout the night.
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  1. 3 weather boundary (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The arrival of a warm front led to significant cloud cover and steady precipitation across the valley for several days.
  2. 4 false appearance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The small dry-cleaning business was merely a front for a sophisticated money-laundering operation that spanned several states.
  3. 5 seaside promenade (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The Victorian hotels lining the front have been meticulously restored to attract a new generation of summer tourists.
  4. 6 to lead or represent (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The charismatic activist was recruited to front the environmental campaign, given her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
  5. 7 to behave falsely (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    He spent the entire evening fronting about his connections in the industry, though it was clear to everyone he was lying.
  6. 8 located at the front (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

Idioms6 entries

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