pioneer pioneer

noun

( ) one of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory  ( pioneer )
one of the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
 they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them
they went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could carry with them

( ) someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art  ( groundbreaker, innovator, pioneer, trailblazer )
someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art

verb

( ) open up an area or prepare a way  ( open up, pioneer )
open up an area or prepare a way
 She pioneered a graduate program for women students
She pioneered a graduate program for women students

open up and explore a new area  ( pioneer )
open up and explore a new area
 pioneer space
pioneer space

take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of  ( initiate, pioneer )
take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
 This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants
This South African surgeon pioneered heart transplants