trailblazer
noun

- a person who makes, does, or discovers something new and makes it acceptable or popular

- a person who marks or prepares a trail through a forest or field for other people to follow

(Merriam Webster)

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The Old English word blæse means "torch" or "bright fire". As a verb, "trail" means to follow behind, and in the 14th century, a noun arose as well, to refer to a path that leads through natural surroundings such as a forest.

In 18th century America, "trailblazer" was used to describe pioneers who explored unknown territory. Many people think the word refers to burning bushes or grass to create a path.

However, another meaning of the word "blaze" is to "mark". Trees can be marked by removing pieces of bark, the outer covering, or by using spots of paint to identify specific trees.

Thus, explorers could leave clues as they passed through the wild country, so they could find their way back and not get lost. It also created a path that other people could follow, too.

The term "trailblazer" is used to describe an innovator, in other words, someone who is the first to make something new. But the question remains: Can you be a trailblazer if nobody follows you?

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SYNONYMS

trendsetter, innovator, pioneer, mover and shaker, pathfinder, discoverer, groundbreaker

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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation

"The founder of our company was a real trailblazer, he set a new standard for the industry."