pioneer

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person who is among the first to develop or explore a new area, idea, or activity.

   She was a pioneer in the field of computer science.

2. 2
   noun

   One of the first people to settle in a new and unknown land.

   The pioneers travelled west with only what they could carry.

3. 3
   verb

   To be the first to do or develop something, opening the way for others.

   The young doctor pioneered a new surgical technique.

From Middle French pionnier (“originally, a foot soldier”), Old French peonier, from peon (“a foot soldier”) (modern French: pion). See pawn (in chess).

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