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
The Justice Department historically looks to avoid public and overt investigative acts in the direct lead-up to an election that involve candidates or that risk influencing an outcome. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Paramount, during the lead-up to the deal, hosted Trump during the White House Correspondents Dinner, and Ellison also paid a visit to his compound in Mar-a-Lago. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
In the days leading up to the robbery, Williams and others traveled to Connecticut and obtained rental vehicles and supplies, including air rifles, walkie talkies and a laptop computer, authorities said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026 Police did not say if Pryien knew the family or what led up to him getting into the car. — Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 27 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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
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