From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
leading
adj 1: 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" [syn: leading(p), prima(p),
star(p), starring(p), stellar(a)]
2: greatest in importance or degree or significance or
achievement; "our greatest statesmen"; "the country's leading
poet"; "a preeminent archeologist" [syn: leading(a),
preeminent]
3: going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way; "we
rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of technology"
[ant: following]
4: having the leading position or higher score in a contest; "he
is ahead by a pawn"; "the leading team in the pennant race"
[syn: ahead(p), in the lead, leading]
n 1: thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in
printing [syn: lead, leading]
2: the activity of leading; "his leadership inspired the team"
[syn: leadership, leading]