verb

pioneer

peye-uh-NEER

verb

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

"She pioneered a new method of teaching remote classes."

"The company pioneered electric vehicle technology decades before it became mainstream."

noun

A person who is among the first to explore, settle, or develop something new.

"The early pioneers crossed the plains in covered wagons."

How to Use Pioneer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that goes first and opens up new territory, whether physical land or a new field of work.

Common pairings

pioneer a technique early pioneers pioneering spirit

pioneered past tense, Pioneers plural, pioneers singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ a new method of teaching remote classes.

From Old French peonier, "foot soldier," which developed the sense of someone who goes ahead to clear the way.

beer deer peer leer veer seer heer queer steer sneer cheer sheer