front runner

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈfront-ˈrun•ner or ˈfrontˈrun•ner, n. [countable]

1. a person who leads in any competition:
   That candidate quickly established himself as the front-runner.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

front′ run′ner, 

1. a person who leads in any competition.
2. Sport an entrant in a race who breaks to the front immediately and establishes the pace for the field.
3. Sport an entrant in a race who performs well only when ahead of the field.
Also, front′-run′ner, front′run′ner. 
• 1935–40, American.