pioneer

/ˌpaɪ.əˈnɪə(ɹ)/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pioneers · pioneering · pioneered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person or other entity who is first or among the earliest in any field of inquiry, enterprise, or progress.

Noun

Examples

Some people will consider their national heroes to be pioneers of civilization.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To be the first to do or achieve (something), preparing the way for others to follow.

Verb

Examples

The young doctor pioneered a new life-saving surgical technique.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A person born on or before 31 December 1949 and possessing Singapore citizenship on or before 31 December 1986, given this status and certain benefits to recognise their contributions to Singapore's early development.

Noun

Examples

Now they are trying hard, working hard, in trying to "give back" […] to the older people classified as "pioneer generations" […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pioneer” mean?

One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow.

Is “pioneer” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.