leading figure
nounUK /ˌliːdɪŋ ˈfɪɡə/
US /ˌliːdɪŋ ˈfɪɡjər/
A leading figure is an important person who guides or is in charge of a group.
The scientist was a leading figure in the fight against pollution.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The most important or well-known person in a particular activity or field.
She became a leading figure in children's literature.
3. A person who takes the main part in guiding a project or movement.
He was a leading figure in the campaign to build a new park.
4. A character who plays the central role in a story or play.
The leading figure in the play was a brave young girl.