trendsetter

noun

trend·​set·​ter ˈtren(d)-ˌse-tər How to pronounce trendsetter (audio)
variants or less commonly trend-setter
plural trendsetters also trend-setters
: one that sets a trend : someone or something that starts or helps to popularize a new fashion, style, movement, etc.
a trendsetter in the fashion industry
Every ten years or so, for a different set of reasons each time, cultural trendsetters rally behind one musician with whom they sense a bond and who then comes to symbolize jazz to the mass media.Francis Davis
The county has become a trendsetter in other types of environmental legislation …Chemical & Engineering News

Examples of trendsetter in a Sentence

a closely watched trendsetter in women's fashions
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maximalist trendsetters, rejoice: These neon luggage tags are a fashion statement all on their own. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025 The executive acknowledged that the recent strategy aimed at tapping into Gen Z cool without sticking to the brand’s core values inherently made Ellesse a follower rather than a trendsetter. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 The polka dot manicure has been embraced by some of our fave nail trendsetters this summer, Cardi included. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2025 The sun shone on Friday as a chic crowd of fashion trendsetters took over Duryea’s in Montauk for a seaside lunch celebrating the new Riviera collection from fashion label Baobab. Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trendsetter

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trendsetter was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Trendsetter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trendsetter. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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