1. people who are among the first to explore or settle a new country or area
2. people who are among the first to research and develop a new area of knowledge or activity

1. to be among the first to explore or develop something new

Examples

• The pioneers traveled west in covered wagons to find new land.
• Early pioneers faced many hardships while settling the frontier.
• She was one of the pioneers in computer programming.
• Medical pioneers developed the first vaccines against deadly diseases.
• The company pioneers new technologies in renewable energy.
• Scientists pioneer research into space exploration.
• These pioneers of aviation changed transportation forever.