leading
indicating the most important performer or role
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,408 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 13,073 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.006% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- indicating the most important performer or role also: prima, star, starring, stellar the leading manprima ballerina
- greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement also: preeminent our greatest statesmenthe country's leading poet
- going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way we rode in the leading carthe leading edge of technology
- having the leading position or higher score in a contest also: ahead, in the lead he is ahead by a pawnthe leading team in the pennant race
noun
- thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing also: lead
- the activity of leading also: leadership his leadership inspired the team
leading in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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The man strode to the door leading to the private hall and examined the lock.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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My story was extracted by alternate leading questions from the old gentleman and timely caresses from the ladies.
The Adventures of Harry Richmond — Complete · George Meredith · Chapter 1
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And, leading him towards Mme. Favoral--“Monsieur Costeclar, my dear,” said he: “the friend of whom we have spoken so often.”
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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Brant was a senior and a "Bones" man, and so had a leading part to play in the afternoon's drama.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1
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By leading the Canal directly through this pond, at least a quarter of a mile of excavation will be avoided.
Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 08, May 21, 1870 · Various · Chapter 1