Definition of "leading" []

• Having a position in the lead; foremost: the leading candidate. (adjective)
• Chief; principal: the leading cause of high inflation. See Synonyms at chief. (adjective)
• Of or performing a lead in a theatrical production: a leading role; a leading lady. (adjective)
• Formulated so as to elicit a desired response: a leading question. (adjective)
• A border or rim of lead, as around a windowpane. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The leading was more careful of her strength, more respectful of her timidity, -- was more strictly _leading_ than _pushing_, -- that was all."
• ""But after the decisions made this week, I'm nevertheless confident that the governments will succeed in restoring financial stability," said Trichet in one of the final interviews of his term leading the ECB."
• "That's according to Douglas County GOP Chairman Mark Baisley, who defeated a more moderate challenger to win another term leading the local organization he termed "the center of gravity of the Republican Party in Colorado and perhaps the nation.""