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leading

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adjective [only before noun] British English pronunciation: leading /ˈliːdɪŋ/
  1. 1
    main, most important, or most successful

    David was our leading goalscorer last season.

    the leading cause of death

    He became a leading figure in the London art world.

    a leading brand of toothpaste

    play a leading part/role:

    She played a leading role in the country’s independence movement.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  leadingThesaurus entry for this meaning of leading
  2. 2
    ahead of all others in a race or competition

    Michael broke away from the leading group to win by 70 metres.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  leadingThesaurus entry for this meaning of leading

This is the British English definition of leading. View American English definition of leading.

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