lead
n. C / U B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɫɛd// lead
n. the position of being first in a race or competition. If you are in the lead, you are winning.
n. the foremost position in a competition or race; a position of advantage over others. It is countable when referring to a specific margin ('a five-point lead') but uncountable for the general state of being ahead ('in the lead').
The blue car is in the lead.
With only one lap to go, the runner took the lead from her main rival.
The company established an early lead in the market by innovating faster than its competitors, a strategic advantage it maintained for over a decade.
Usage
Commonly used in collocations like 'take the lead', 'in the lead', and 'hold the lead'. It can be followed by 'over' to specify the competitor.