French word

pionnier

Pronunciation

IPA/pjonje/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpioneer

Example

Les pionniers ont ouvert de nouvelles voies.

The pioneers opened up new paths.

Illustration for pionnier (pioneer)

More examples

De nombreux pionniers ont pris des risques pour innover.

Many pioneers took risks to innovate.

Core concept

A trailblazer whose new work makes a previously unfamiliar field easier for others to enter.

Common phrases

  • être un pionnier de

    be a pioneer in

  • un pionnier de l'informatique

    a pioneer in information technology

  • les pionniers de l'espace

    the pioneers of space exploration

Similar words

précurseur: A person or organization that puts forward an idea or method before others.
entrepreneur: A person or company that launches a new business or initiative.
innovateur: A person or organization that develops and applies new ideas, products, or methods.

Definition in French

Personne qui initie ou développe une activité, une technique ou une idée nouvelle et ouvre la voie pour d'autres.

Word origin

Pionnier originally referred to a person associated with clearing or working on the ground, before acquiring its broader modern sense.

Usage tips

  • French commonly uses pionnier de before a field or development, as in pionnier de l'informatique.

Other meanings

  • pioneeringadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word