trailblazer

[ treyl-bley-zer ]

/ ˈtreɪlˌbleɪ zər /

a person who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness; pathfinder.

a pioneer in any field of endeavor: a trailblazer in science.

Also called trail·break·er

[treyl-brey-ker] /ˈtreɪlˌbreɪ kər/.

Origin of trailblazer

First recorded in 1905–10; trail + blaze² + -er¹

Can you be a trailblazer when no one has followed your trail?

Joan Rivers's Trailblazing, Troubled, and Complicated Role in Late-Night TV |Kevin Fallon |September 5, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
When it comes to dystopian, young adult fiction, Lois Lowry was the trailblazer.

A Trailblazer in YA Dystopian Fiction: An Interview With 'The Giver' Author Lois Lowry |Marianne Hayes |August 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Several outlets compared him to Jackie Robinson as a trailblazer.

Jason Collins Gets Media Bear Hug as the NBA Player Comes Out as Gay |Howard Kurtz |May 1, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Trailblazer might sound like a made-up award, but at least Watson said something meaningful.

MTV Movie Awards 2013 Best Moments: Rebel Wilson & More (VIDEO) |Kevin Fallon |April 15, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

Credit, then, NYPD Blue creator Steven Bochco for being a trailblazer.

The 'Reign' Steamy Stairwell Shocker & TV’s 13 Dirtiest Sex Scenes (VIDEO) |Kevin Fallon |October 11, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

trailblazer

/ (ˈtreɪlˌbleɪzə) /

a leader or pioneer in a particular field

a person who blazes a trail

trailblazing, adjective, noun