What does leapfrog mean?
Leapfrog is a verb and noun associated with the children’s game in which one player bends over and another jumps over them. As a verb, it also describes jumping over or onto an obstacle and, figuratively, advancing rapidly by bypassing intermediate stages, competitors, or procedures. The figurative use is especially common in business, technology, and politics: a company may be said to leapfrog a rival if it gains an advantage through faster innovation, while a reform may leapfrog existing provisions. The word combines “leap” with “frog,” although the game’s precise historical development is not entirely clear. In ordinary conversation, leapfrog retains a playful, accessible quality even when used metaphorically, making it especially effective for describing progress that skips over established steps.
To jump over or onto something, or to advance rapidly by bypassing intermediate stages or competitors.
"The company is trying to leapfrog its competitors with a new digital platform."
The figurative sense is common in formal reporting about business, technology, and public policy.
A game in which players jump over one another, or an act of jumping over or onto something.
"They played leapfrog on the grass until dusk."
In British and US English, the noun is often used in the expression “play leapfrog.”
Used when referring to separate games, acts of jumping, or figurative instances of bypassing stages or competitors.
"The children invented several leapfrogs with their own rules."
Leapfrog began as a physical game and long ago became a metaphor for skipping ahead—proof that children’s games can shape the language of business and politics.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leapfrog come from?
Leapfrog is a compound formed from the English words “leap” and “frog,” both of which are Old English in origin. The sense relating to a jumping game is well established in English, and the figurative sense of advancing by bypassing stages developed later from the idea of moving ahead in jumps. Its longer historical development is associated with children’s games, though the exact sequence linking the game’s name to the modern figurative use is not certain.
Related word forms
How leapfrog is actually used
The literal sense is most common in descriptions of children’s play and informal physical activity. The figurative sense is common in business, technology, and politics, where it suggests rapid progress by bypassing stages or competitors.
Easily confused with leapfrog
A leap is a single jump or sudden movement, whereas leapfrog can describe a game or the repeated act of jumping over someone or something.