cutting edge

noun

Synonyms of cutting edgenext
1
: a sharp effect or quality
2
: the foremost part or place : vanguard
cutting-edge
ˈkə-tiŋ-ˌej How to pronounce cutting edge (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of cutting edge

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Examples of cutting edge in a Sentence

a company that has always been on the cutting edge of the new electronic media He's a director who tries to keep his films right on the cutting edge.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Westfield Topanga has long been at the cutting edge of mall culture. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Researchers say the incidents of potential danger are more likely to lie with agents at the cutting edge of technology, which are still being tested by labs. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 The cutting edge facade is just the beginning of the sophisticated design of the hotel, both inside and out. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Most Read Reviews Appropriately enough for two musicians working at the cutting edge of this underground, Bowery Electric’s Martha Schwendener and Lawrence Chandler met while working at pre-fab master Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutting edge

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutting edge was in 1804

Rhymes for cutting edge

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Browse Nearby Words

cutting board
cutting edge
cutting fluid
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Cite this Entry

“Cutting edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutting%20edge. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cutting edge

noun
1
: the sharp edge of a cutting tool
2
: the newest and most advanced area of an activity
cutting-edge adjective
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