a person who rules or guides or inspires others
"The new leader inspired her team to work harder during the difficult project phase."
a featured article of merchandise sold at a loss in order to draw customers
"The store placed the new blender on sale as a leader, even though selling it meant taking a financial hit to attract shoppers."
any person that leads or directs
"The new leader organized a town hall meeting to address the community's concerns about the upcoming budget cuts."
one who goes first
"The experienced hiker stepped out as our leader, showing us the safest path through the dense forest."
In plain English: A leader is someone who guides others and takes charge of a group.
"The leader of the team gave a speech to motivate everyone before the game."
Usage: Use "leader" to refer to a person who guides, commands, or sets an example for others within a group or organization. This term applies whether the role is formal, like a CEO, or informal, such as someone whose friends naturally follow their direction.
An occupational surname, from occupations for a person who led a horse and cart.
"The census records show that my great-grandfather changed his last name to Leader after he retired from driving the family's delivery wagon."
The word "leader" comes from the Old English lǣdere, which originally meant a person who guides or conducts others. It entered Middle English as ledere and has remained in use with essentially the same meaning ever since.