Pioneer Definition

pīə-nîr
pioneered, pioneering, pioneers
noun
pioneers
A member of a military engineer unit trained to construct or demolish bridges, roads, trenches, etc.
Webster's New World
One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle.
American Heritage
A person who goes before, preparing the way for others, as an early settler or a scientist doing exploratory work.
Webster's New World
A plant, animal, etc. that starts a new cycle of life in a barren area.
Webster's New World
A soldier who performs construction and demolition work in the field to facilitate troop movements.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
adjective
Being one of the first of its kind.
Webster's New World
Of or characteristic of the settlers of a new territory.
Webster's New World
Leading the way; trailblazing.
A pioneer treatment for cancer.
American Heritage
Antonyms:
verb
pioneered, pioneering, pioneers
To prepare or open (a way, etc.)
Webster's New World
To be a pioneer in or of.
Webster's New World
To settle (a region).
American Heritage
To be a pioneer.
Webster's New World
To initiate or participate in the development of.
Surgeons who pioneered organ transplants.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Pioneer

Noun

Singular:
pioneer
Plural:
pioneers

Origin of Pioneer

  • French pionnier from Old French peonier foot soldier from peon from Medieval Latin pedō pedōn- from Late Latin one who has broad feet from Latin pēs ped- foot ped- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle French pionier (“originally, a foot soldier"), Old French peonier, from peon (“a foot soldier") (modern French: pion). See pawn in chess.

    From Wiktionary

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