# leader

/ˈɫidɝ/ (US) · /lˈiːdɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/leader
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. person in charge

noun · CEFR A2

the person who guides or controls a group, organisation, or country.

For teachers: an individual who exercises authority or guidance over a collective entity, such as a political party, corporation, or nation.

- The team leader decided to change the project deadline after talking to the client.
- The political leader addressed the assembly, outlining a vision for economic reform that aimed to unify the fractured coalition.

### 2. frontrunner

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. newspaper article

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. fishing line

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. botany/trees

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She is a natural leader who listens to everyone in the team.
- The community looked to the local leader for guidance after the storm damaged several homes.
- Effective governance requires a leader who can balance immediate political pressures with the long-term strategic interests of the nation.

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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.