leading in WordNet English dictionary

1. having the leading position or higher score in a contest
   "he is ahead by a pawn"; "the leading team in the pennant race"
   ahead  in the lead  leading 
   
2. going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way
   "we rode in the leading car"; "the leading edge of technology"
   leading 
   
3. greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
   "our greatest statesmen"; "the country's leading poet"; "a preeminent archeologist"
   leading  preeminent 
   
4. 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"
   leading  prima  star  starring  stellar 
   

1. thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
   lead  leading 
   
2. the activity of leading
   "his leadership inspired the team"
   leadership  leading