pioneer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
    trailblazer; groundbreaker; innovator.
  2. noun one the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
    • they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them
  3. verb open up an area or prepare a way
    open up.
    • She pioneered a graduate program for women students
  4. verb take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
    initiate.
    • This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants
  5. verb open up and explore a new area
    • pioneer space

WordNet

Pi`o*neer" noun
Etymology
F. pionier, orig., a foot soldier, OF. peonier, fr. OF. peon a foot soldier, F. pion. See Pawn in chess.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) A soldier detailed or employed to form roads, dig trenches, and make bridges, as an army advances.
  2. One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow; as, pioneers of civilization; pioneers of reform.
Pi`o*neer" transitive verb & intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Pioneered ; present participle & verbal noun Pioneering
Definitions
  1. To go before, and prepare or open a way for; to act as pioneer.

Webster 1913