lead-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈlēd-ˌəp How to pronounce lead-up (audio)
: something that leads up to or prepares the way for something else

lead up

2 of 2

verb

ˈlēd- How to pronounce lead up (audio)
led up; leading up; leads up

intransitive verb

1
: to prepare the way
2
: to make a gradual or indirect approach to a topic

Examples of lead-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Schwarze expressed frustration with the media attention and money that Michele Tafoya, the former sports broadcaster running against him, had been getting in the lead-up to election night. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Bowen noted that a number of product innovations were unveiled during the lead-up to the five-week event, which set ratings records for Fox and Telemundo. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
Annual inflation in the country — measured over the 12-month period leading up to July — stands at 66%, according to the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA). — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026 Cardiff is the first of four away trips leading up to the September/October international break that also includes Millwall, Swansea City and West Ham United. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lead-up

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lead-up was in 1861

Rhymes for lead-up

See All Rhymes for lead-up

Browse Nearby Words

lead tree
lead-up
lead up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lead-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead-up. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lead up

verb
(ˈ)lēd-ˈəp How to pronounce lead up (audio)
: to make a gradual approach to a topic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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