# frontrunner

/ˈfɹənˌtɹənɝ/ (US) · /fɹˈʌntɹʌnɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frontrunner
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

the person or thing that is leading in a race or competition. You use this when someone is clearly ahead of the others and looks like they will win.

For teachers: a person or entity that is leading in a competition, election, or race. Often used in political or sporting contexts to describe a candidate with a significant lead in the polls.

## Examples

- She is the frontrunner for the job.
- After the debate, the candidate became the frontrunner, gaining a ten-point lead in the latest opinion polls.
- While several candidates entered the race, only one emerged as the clear frontrunner, consolidating enough support to make a serious challenge to the incumbent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.