Frontrunner
/ˈfrʌntˌrʌnər/noun
A person or thing leading in a competition or campaign.
Did you know?The term 'frontrunner' originates from the world of horse racing, where it referred to the horse leading the race, often believed to have the best chance of winning, invoking the idea of destiny and favor from the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
foran
“Before, in front of, indicating position ahead.”
Old English
Old English
runnian
“To run, to move swiftly.”
Middle English
Middle English
fronte
“The front part or face of something.”
19th Century
English
frontrunner
“A leading competitor, originally in horse racing, denoting the one ahead in a race.”