pioneer
py-uh-NEER
/ˌpaɪəˈnɪər/
A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area; to be the first to use or apply a new method or activity.
A pioneer doesn't just do something first; they open the way for others to follow.
The story behind the word. Originally from the Old French 'pionnier', meaning a foot soldier who goes ahead of the main army to dig trenches or clear the way. It shifted from military use to describe explorers and then innovators.
Word relationships
- trailblazer: A trailblazer is more informal and emphasizes the physical act of marking a path.
- innovator: An innovator improves things; a pioneer goes where no one has gone before.
- follower: A follower comes after the path has already been cleared.
Commonly confused with
- founder: A founder starts an organization; a pioneer starts a movement or a field of study.
Word family
- pioneering (adjective): Involving new ideas or methods.
Collocations
- pioneer a method
- early pioneer
- pioneering work
- pioneering spirit
Example sentences
- "Marie Curie was a pioneer in the study of radioactivity." Science
- "The company pioneered the use of touchscreens in mobile phones." Technology
Memory hook
A pioneer 'pies' (goes) 'near' the edge of the unknown. First one through the door.
When not to use
Don't use it for someone who is just 'early'; they must be a leader or pathfinder.
Fun facts
- The Pioneer plaques are a pair of gold-anodized aluminum plaques that were placed on board the 1972 Pioneer 10 and 1973 Pioneer 11 spacecraft.
Related words
Explore more words
innovate, cutting-edge, uncharted, avant-garde, unconventional
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