front-runner \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: a contestant who runs best when in the lead; also: one who can set his own fast pace 2.: the leading contestant or one of the leading contestants in any rivalry or competition < the front-runner … on two ballots — T.L.Stokes > < one of the front-runners in the postwar frozen-orange-juice derby — E.J.Kahn >