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
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
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
Origin of Pioneer
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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
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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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