leader

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. the person or team that is currently winning a race or competition.

n. the participant currently occupying the first position in a competitive event or ranking.

“The marathon leader is currently two minutes ahead of the other runners.”

“As the race entered its final lap, the leader maintained a narrow advantage despite the aggressive pursuit of the chasing pack.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Formal

n. the main article in a newspaper that gives the editor's opinion.

n. a leading article or editorial in a newspaper, typically expressing the publication's official stance on a current issue.

“Today's leader in the newspaper discusses the importance of recycling.”

“The Sunday edition featured a scathing leader that criticised the government's failure to address the rising cost of living.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Sports Technical

n. a short piece of strong line used to attach a hook to the main fishing line.

n. a short length of line, often made of wire or heavy monofilament, attached between the main fishing line and the lure or hook.

“He used a wire leader to prevent the sharp teeth of the fish from cutting the line.”

“The angler carefully inspected the fluorocarbon leader for abrasions before casting into the rocky shallows where the predatory fish were known to hide.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. the main upward-growing stem of a tree or plant.

n. the primary terminal shoot of a plant, particularly the central upright stem of a coniferous tree.

“The gardener trimmed the side branches to help the main leader grow taller.”

“Damage to the central leader can result in a stunted or misshapen tree, as lateral branches compete to establish apical dominance.”