cutting edge

noun

Synonyms of cutting edgenext
1
: a sharp effect or quality
2
: the foremost part or place : vanguard
cutting-edge adjective

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Not everything is wireless, though, which is where Sonos is merging the traditional with the cutting edge. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 The layout resembled a samurai sword, where the hardest material is concentrated mainly along the cutting edge. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026 But patients shouldn’t have to rely on specialized research programs or perks to access the cutting edge of musculoskeletal health. Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 Who else has made music, in the full glare of the pop spotlight, that has been incredibly experimental and cutting edge and pushing everything forward? New York Times, 28 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cutting edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutting%20edge. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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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