liːd ˈlidɚʃɪp ˈliːdəʃɪp ˈliːdɪŋ ˈlidɪŋ ˈlɛdɪŋ ˈliːdɪŋ pɹiːˈɛmɪnənt pɹiːmə stɑː(ɹ) stɑɹ ˈstɛlə ˈstɛlɚ going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way we rode in the leading car the leading edge of technology the activity of leading his leadership inspired the team indicating the most important performer or role the leading man prima ballerina prima donna a star figure skater the starring role a stellar role a stellar performance greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement the country's leading poet a preeminent archeologist having the leading position or higher score in a contest he is ahead by a pawn the leading team in the pennant race thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing